I think lists also serve the purpose of getting your tasks out on paper. If I am working on 4 projects, I need to be constantly reminded of those tasks and need

I think lists also serve the purpose of getting your tasks out on paper. If I am working on 4 projects, I need to be constantly reminded of those tasks and need to break them down into smaller tasks. Getting Things Done is an effective method, but all of these things, including this method, require real effort. There is just no way around the fact that there is effort required.