Why I Don't Use a To-do List - and What I Do Instead [Episode 130]

Oct 14, 2020

Are you a to-do list person? I know they are popular tool for getting things done, but I don't use them. Why? I go into all the reasons in this week's episode along with what I do instead. The result? Clarity, major progress in a small amount of time, ability enjoy spending time my kids instead of feeling interrupted, and I'm able to "get it all" done and have a break. Have a listen today for a simple alternative to the ever growing to-do list!

Key Points:

Pros of a To-do List: get everything out of your brain into one place. 

Cons of a To-do list:

• Tells your brain you need to do all of it right now (possible exception - when you have a major deadline like moving and there is a lot to do right now)

• Creates unhealthy precedent that checking everything off your list is most important

• Not an end in sight. Easy to end the day looking at all that isn't accomplished with hopes of being faster/more efficient tomorrow

• Recipe for exhaustion and feeling like you are on a treadmill. 

• Looking at all those things every time you need to do something is making a ton of micro decisions which leads to decision fatigue. It is real and has a huge impact on the rest of your day - even your child asking you a question.

• You don't get a real break

 

What I do instead:

• Plan My weeks, not my days

• Start by choosing my big 3 for the week

• Break down into context based todos

• It is a finite list I make on Sunday in my weekly planning. I choose what is most important this week and some nice tos, and let the rest go

• When I have a moment, look at the context - just a handful of things so only making a few choices

• make massive progress in a small amount of time

• End the week usually checking off most everything - if not everything. Get a break and rest in my brain. No treadmill.

• Pick priorities again next week.