The money in your pocket is printed on worthless paper. How about your "to-do" list?

?

Same worthless ink on worthless paper? Not quite.

If you're drowning in lists like I once was – to-dos, must-dos, maybes – you’re not alone.

Years ago, in the hustle of NYC, I found myself juggling medical bills in a shoebox-sized drawer. The reason? To tame the overwhelm and regain focus. I thought that if I let those bills, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands $$$, dominate my space, I'd lose sight of what truly mattered.

Out of sight, out of mind?

Did I mention they were unopened bills? And that I was drowning in must-do lists while taking care of a loved one at the ICU??

If you're drowning like I once was -- It's time to set aside those conventional daily to-dos, obligatory must-dos, and the never-ending maybes. I've got an exciting alternative that’ll breathe new life into your list-taking:

The 'bucket list,' a different breed of list altogether.

Same humble paper that money is printed on, yes. But the potential? It’s far from it.

It’s taught me:

1. Feeling ahead empowers me -- anticipating future joy (however tiny) can uplift in the most challenging circumstances.
2. Feeling behind causes stumbling.
3. Stuffing unopened bills in a drawer won't magically make them vanish, sadly. Two bills are less overwhelming than ten.

"Out of sight" doesn't mean "out of mind." If what's on your to-do list is genuinely important, you'll have to make time for it—it won't happen on its own. By balancing out any dreaded tasks with the bucket list, you might just find the approach you've been searching for.

And the most exhilarating part? You can, too, turn worthless paper into gold. My bucket list now hangs on my wall, in a pride of place, a constant reminder of the future I anticipate.

I've had the privilege of coaching brilliant individuals like you, helping them create space to navigate priorities and conquer an overwhelming life chapter. You can absolutely inject excitement back into your life -- put ink to paper -- what would you like to include on your bucket list? 2024, here we come! #bucketlist #overcomeoverwhelm #mindset