Stress Reducer Tip – The Dreaded To-Do List
If you’re drowning under the weight of your to-do list…throw it out.
You got that right…throw it out. Right now. Just dump it.
If you are one of those people (like I used to be) who has a to-do list you could use to measure the circumference of the earth, throw it out.
That’s not to say we don’t all need some reminders but we don’t need that kind of list.
Here are some ways to deal with the dreaded to do list…
1. Rename it. I call mine the “Daily Palette” and just like a painter’s palette, I pick and choose, mix and match throughout the day. When approached this way, it’s more like a tickler file to remind you than it is the ball and chain of shoulds and have to’s. Now that’s a stress reducer!
2. Eliminate everything that keeps going to the bottom of the list. Honestly, if you haven’t done it by now, how important is it? Feel the load getting lighter?
3. Rather than a list at all, stay focused on your ultimate goal. Every morning ask yourself what one step you can take today in the direction of that goal. Then do it.
4. What nurtures and nourishes you most? Do that activity first. Then do your to-do’s.
Focusing on the goal and next step as well as nurturing yourself first, make all those little niggling details, easier to accomplish. Don’t believe me? Give it a try.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 am
I just did another post on #4…doing what nurtures you most before tackling the to-do list.
Turn It All Upside Down