To-Do Lists: Productivity Tool or Stress Trap?

We think of to-do lists as a first-rate productivity tool. But how you to-do makes all the difference.

The main problem: Brain dumping every possible action item and then arbitrarily working down the list or picking at random.

This “strategy” is a recipe for stress. Just looking at the endless list creates a sense of time scarcity leaving you anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure where to begin. It also means we often prioritize less important tasks.

And, no matter how much you get done, at the end of the day, the long list of unfinished tasks makes even the most focused day feel unproductive and insufficient.

So what is the solution?

Try swapping out your endless to-do lists for streamlined daily plans.

Step 1. Draft that long list of all possible to-dos. This is not a plan, it is a starting point.

Step 2. Circle the items on your list that are essential to complete today and those that feel inspiring and exciting.

Step 3. Create today's plan by balancing the essential need-tos, the exciting want-tos, and, most importantly, the actual time you have in your day.

Tip: Remember when planning that we tend to underestimate how long a task will take us! If you are creating a streamlined to-do list and consistently ending the day with unfinished to-dos, it’s time to get honest and adjust your planning.

Creating a streamlined daily plan will lower your daily stress, make it easier to prioritize and get started, and leave you feeling more accomplished at the end of the day.

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If you could use support managing stress, let’s chat.