With a to-do list that feels like it stretches for miles, I often find myself overwhelmed. Between my responsibilities for my children (school, extracurriculars, supplies, appointments), my partner’s tasks (he’s on his own!), work (tax season is approaching), household projects, and just managing my chaotic life, the list seems never-ending.
Naturally, my reaction is to avoid tackling any of it, opting instead for procrastination. I even indulge in the habit of jotting down things I’ve accomplished just so I can cross them off and feel a little better about myself. Can anyone relate?
Every year, I vow to be more productive. I remind myself that I used to manage tasks effortlessly! I was a top student back in high school! (That was three decades ago—let’s not dwell on that.) I used to be sharp and efficient! (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch; I need to let go of those outdated memories. Just one more thing to add to my to-do list.)
When you think about it, to-do lists can feel like a never-ending cycle. The reward for completing tasks is simply… more tasks! What’s the incentive?
The burden of unfinished responsibilities can be overwhelming, and I’m no superhero.
This year, I want to try something different.
I suggest we eliminate entire sections of our lists and not stress over them. Let’s narrow our focus to three to five key objectives. If I manage to accomplish those, I’ll celebrate my success and take pride in my achievements. The responsible approach would be to add another three to five objectives to tackle next, then rinse and repeat. A lengthy list is daunting; a concise one is achievable.
I realize this might sound overly simplistic.
Even as I pen this, reality nudges at me. I can hear the skeptics saying, “This is a privileged perspective. Not everyone can just dismiss their responsibilities and hope for the best.” And they’re absolutely correct. It’s a privileged viewpoint, assuming a large portion of the list is optional and that, with a little magic, everything will turn out fine.
I admit—I may be misinterpreting advice from my friend, entrepreneur Zara Collins, who shared her insights on organizing weekly tasks. Her approach is much more practical, while mine could come off as too extreme. My goal here is simply to help you feel better about your own situation.
The reality is that there will always be tasks we can’t eliminate. After all, children need nourishment, bills need to be settled, and survival is essential. Keep up with those. Staying alive is a priority.
However, there are many chores that aren’t urgent or demanding our immediate attention. We can often let them slide without them escalating into emergencies, right? You know which ones I mean—they linger in the back of your mind, silently judging you.
So, let’s kick those nagging chores to the curb. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot lighter.
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In summary, let’s embrace a more manageable approach to our to-do lists this year by focusing on a few essential tasks and letting the rest go. It’s about finding balance and ease in our busy lives.