The "After Tomorrow" Folder: How to Finally Get Unstuck

We all have one. That folder (or list or email label) is where we put things we plan to do later. Maybe we were too busy, perhaps we weren't sure what to do with them, so we told ourselves: I'll get to it after tomorrow. But then tomorrow came and went. And so did the next day. And suddenly, that folder became a storage box for things we never get around to doing. Sounds familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone. But let's fix this once and for all; I tried, and it is working.

Here's how:

Step 1: Sort It Out

• Quick tasks (5 minutes or less): Do them now.
• Important tasks: Put them in your calendar.
• Tasks for someone else: Pass them on.
• Things that don't matter anymore: Delete them.

Step 2: Stop the Pile-Up

• Could you do it right away if it takes less than 5 minutes?
• If it needs time, could you schedule it?
• If someone else should handle it, could you send it to them?
• If it's neither urgent nor valuable, could you delete it?

Step 3: Make Time for It

Set aside 10-15 minutes a day (or an hour a week) to clear out unfinished tasks.

• Could you treat it like an important meeting?
• Turn off distractions—no phone, no emails.
• You can start with the easiest tasks to build momentum.

Even a few minutes a day makes a difference. Over a year, those small efforts add up to 30+ hours of real progress!

Step 4: Set a Simple Rule

Nothing stays in the "After Tomorrow" folder for over a week. After seven days, each task must either be done, scheduled, delegated, or deleted. There are no exceptions.

Step 5: Keep It Going

Every few months, ask yourself:

• Am I handling my tasks better than before?
• Are certain things still piling up? Why?
• Do I need to change something?

And most importantly—celebrate small wins. Progress is progress!

So… what's in your "After Tomorrow" folder today? And when are you finally clearing it?