Knuth’s advice is especially good. If there is something in my todo list that I hate, it’s probably because (a) it’s hard, (b) it will take some time to do, and (c) it’s very important (or else it wouldn’t be there). Mustering the courage to do them early rather than late is an almost certain recipe for satisfaction and a good, relaxing weekend. One other thing about todo lists that I like is fitting things into the available time frame. I often open my todo list and think “ok, I have 30 minutes, what can I tick off”. It’s quite good for my mental health (when I actually do it).