How to unpack your to-do list and find a strategy for a purposeful and fulfilling day.
Recently, I found myself in a familiar conversation. When I asked, “How are you?” my friend responded with a sigh, “I’m busy, super busy.” He referred to his ever-expanding to-do list.
Hmmmm….
His response struck a chord with me. I felt lots of sympathy because I’ve been in that place too.
How do you cope with never-ending to-do lists that seem as infinite as bottomless soup pots?
I’m not suggesting new systems, alternative time-boxing methods, or other clever tricks to boost productivity. Instead, I invite you to look at your to-do list with slightly different eyes.
When I felt, as my friend, that my to-do list was ruling my day, I knew it was time to break free from the busyness trap.
Here are my secret routines that shape my day, helping me stay on track with the things I truly want and need to do.
Take a moment for yourself.
Beginning my mornings with journaling gives me a sense of grounding and focus. When I need a pause during the day, I allow myself to doodle.You could also take a moment to sit and breathe, allowing yourself to simply do nothing for a little while.
Unpack your to-do list.
I regularly review my to-do list challenging each item in my mind to ensure that the list truly reflects my priorities
Examine what’s going on and ask yourself some honest questions:
- What tasks provide you value?
- What tasks should you let go of or change, but persist in doing?
- What tasks are not part of your current routine but could be in the future?
Give yourself a choice.
My most significant shift in how I cope with my list. The items on my list are my possibilities to create your day.
What needs to get done is a choice, every day again. I’ve learnt this important lesson from Leo Babauta
- What’s your mission today?
- What do you truly care about today?
What needs to get done and what I choose to do might be a nuance. Being more intentional and less driven could make all the difference.
What about you?
Have you successfully tamed your to-do list monster and found unique strategies that work wonders?
Share your insights, experiences, or tips in the comments below. Your wisdom might just be the inspiration someone else needs.
Learning Moments 
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