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Does it feel like you can’t catch up? Maybe the issue isn’t you. It could be not knowing when something needs to come off your to do list. It’s not uncommon for people to feel like they’ve failed when they have to take something off that golden list of things that need doing. But it’s not a failure. It’s simply readjusting what matters to you. It’s about reevaluating what you COULD do versus what you really want to accomplish.
There are rules we create for ourselves that…just aren’t true. Can we establish that just because you start a movie doesn’t mean you have to finish it? Just because you start a book, you don’t have to keep reading if you don’t like it. In that same line of thinking, just because it’s on your to-do list, doesn’t mean you can’t take it off without starting or finishing it.
IT’S ALIVE!!!
We know firsthand how the to-do list can feel like a living, breathing thing with a life of its own. But it’s not. Not even close. So take a breath, listen closely, and take every word as gospel from two card-carrying members of “Overdoers Anonymous.” YOUR TO-DO LIST IS A TOOL AND IT WORKS FOR YOU. YOU DO NOT WORK FOR IT.
Sorry…that was a little loud. But it’s one of the most freeing and empowering things we can tell you. You are not a little donkey pulling an overloaded cart of things that must be done. You also don’t have to be the driver cracking the whip. Your little ass…oops…donkey is working hard and you keep asking it for more. He’s probably getting tired, and so are you. Unraveling The Truth: 8 Big and Common Myths About Motivation
An Enchanted Perspective That Really Helps.
Plowing through doesn’t accomplish more. It just creates more frustration, anxiety, and being mad at yourself. So, how do you escape the overfilled cart and the taskmaster (you)? You must learn when something needs to come off your to-do list. It doesn’t mean you caved to being mediocre in the “Get things done” game. It means you are the empowered keeper of your own intentions, plans, and to–do list.
Sometimes, the reason you aren’t getting things done is not that you’re slacking. The problem is an outdated and uninspired list that no longer accurately represents what you care about. Let’s give you some clues to reevaluate your to-do list. It will provide you with a helpful tool instead of an anchor that’s pulling you under a river of stress.
How To Know When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List Clue #1
It’s Been On Your List For A Very Long Time (and it’s no big deal that it’s still not done yet).
We all have things on our lists that have been there for a long time. Sometimes they are essential things that have had to be scooted down the calendar to another day. But what about when that scooting happens over and over again?
If you have one or two (or nine) of these types of things on your to-do list, it’s time to reevaluate. There are several reasons this happens, and only you can determine if any of these reasons are valid.
Examples:
- Was it something that sounded like a good idea 2 months ago, but you’ve lost interest, excitement, or even a desire to do it now? (like alphabetizing all your spices)
- Is it something that someone else felt you should do? (like cleaning and reorganizing the entire garage when you think it looks fine as it is.)
- Did you shame yourself into it because you saw it on HGTV or Instagram? (like remodeling the bathroom that no one ever uses)
- Did you feel you needed to do it because someone else you know did it? (like prepping for a half marathon when you don’t even like to run)
Look over your to-do list. If you have items that you are no longer interested in or have lost inspiration for, remove them from your to-do list. Unraveling The Truth: 8 Big and Common Myths About Motivation
How To Know When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List Clue #2
It Needs To Be Done, But It Doesn’t Need To Be Done Now.
Imagine it is the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This is when many items are added to our to-do list all at once. It’s a new year! We feel inspired and hopeful, ready to make this year the year you change…everything.
There’s not a thing wrong with that inspiration. However, we often become a little short-sighted about how much time and energy we actually have. We sometimes forget that a project requires not only money but also time, energy, and a genuine desire to see it through to completion.
But I’ve Got SH#% To Get Done!
We aren’t saying don’t do it or that you can’t do it. We suggest spreading your to-do timeline out a bit. It’s not unusual for this to happen at the start of the year or after a shift or change in circumstances. Examples include immediately after school lets out, right after retirement, right after moving, or the first month after your last kid leaves home.
You can do all that you feel called to do. However, it is unrealistic to believe that you can paint all the baseboards, reorganize the attic, clean out all your closets, and read four books all in one month. Especially when you are also trying to go to the gym six days a week, learn to make homemade pasta, take a writing class, learn to can tomatoes, start a garden, and inventory all your kitchen cabinets over summer break.
PACE YOURSELF!. Perhaps it all needs to be done, but it doesn’t need to be done all at once. Remember that little donkey. He can only carry so much in that cart he’s pulling.
How To Know When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List Clue #3
It Needs To Be Done, But Other Things Need To Be Done First.
This comes into play when you are good at listing what needs to happen. However, you are not very good at creating a timeline for its happening. Some things have a necessary and practical order that you must follow. For instance, you paint the ceiling before you replace the floors. You wash the towels before you fold them.
How You FEEL About It Is Important.
Some things are about what you perceive as the next and best thing to do. You may feel more inspired to work on the large closet of supplies, but only once you’ve organized your office. You may be more motivated to go to the gym regularly after purchasing a new gym bag and shoes. Would you feel more inclined to do healthy grocery shopping if you cleaned out the fridge first?
Look at your to-do list. What makes the most sense to you? That’s what matters and how it needs doing. Organizing is often a big part of people’s to-do lists. But sometimes it’s the list that needs organizing first. Unraveling The Truth: 8 Big and Common Myths About Motivation
How To Know When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List Clue #4
It No Longer Feels Needed, Or You No Longer Care If It Gets Done.
Just like going to the local buffet, sometimes we let our eyes get bigger than our belly. If you are like most people, there are things on your to-do list that are no longer needed or that you no longer care about completing. It’s ok to take those items off your to-do list without even trying to start them.
Just because it was a good idea a month ago, doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind. Remember, just because you put it on your to-do list doesn’t mean you can’t take it off. When something needs to come off your to-do list, it’s time for it to go.
Perhaps you added something because it felt like the right thing to do, or because someone else thought you should. “Should” doesn’t give security clearance for items you don’t really feel a need to invest time and energy into right now. If you feel no interest in it, no desire for the outcome, or no excitement about it, then it needs to come off your to-do list.
Oh, I Want The Result…I Just Don’t Want To Do The Chore.
What about things you want done, but have no desire to do? There are three choices here. (1) Allow yourself to become excited about the outcome, even if you don’t enjoy the work itself. (2) Get someone to do it with you, so it’s more enjoyable and time passes more quickly. (3) Hire someone or trade projects with someone. For example, get your friend who loves tech to create your spreadsheet while you organize that pantry she has been dreading.
It’s All About Permission And Empowerment.
Keep in mind that it’s easy to become that little donkey, or the task master with the whip. You don’t HAVE to be either. Give yourself permission to be the master of what you care about accomplishing in your world. Then give yourself permission to control your own to-do list. It’s YOUR list and your tool. You get to say when and what. Then you can reevaluate and choose again when needed.
Empower yourself in completing what you care about and what has meaning. Embrace the things you might not like to do, but man, do you love the results when it’s all done. Give yourself grace when you start feeling like that little donkey. Give yourself permission to rearrange that list into whatever form you feel it needs to take. Then enjoy the empowerment to do the to-do list YOUR WAY. We have no doubt that YOU’VE GOT THIS!
Pixi-Pebbles for The Easy No-Guilt Way To Tell When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List
We’ve used these little Pixi-Pebbles to move ourselves from a feeling we’re not enjoying very much…to a feeling that helps us discover our vision of intention, awareness, and direction.
They lead us to hope, possibilities, and a fire under our butt to live life by design instead of default.
In our blog, The Easy No-Guilt Way To Tell When Something Needs To Come Off Your To-Do List, here is a Pixi-Pebble that came to mind…
Just a little inspiration to get you from here to there…
Sometimes getting still and just looking at something pretty can calm our minds and bring us clarity. This is the perfect activity for when something needs to come off your to do list.
Here’s one way we create some stillness and bring in some beauty… Click here for Ocean Sunsets
