Why Your To-Do List Isn't Working and How to Fix It.

Does your to-do list feel like the heaviest mountain to climb?

Does crossing off items feel more like a chore than an accomplishment?

Are you constantly overwhelmed by endless tasks that never seem to end?

You are certainly not alone.

I recently had a coaching client feeling overwhelmed by his to-do list.

Feeling like it was running his life.

He knows that he created his to-do list and that most of the things are stuff he wants to make happen.

So, since I know that WE are the ones who decide what meaning we give to things in our lives.

My question to him: Is it the list itself or the meaning you are giving the list that is stressing you out?

--> What if, you know exactly WHY you have put each and every item on that list, and because of that, you now WANT to do them?

These questions changed his perspective and his life.

And we created a "Want-To-Do" list.

Because it's your life, isn't it?

And everything on that list, should at some point something you'd want to have done to move forward.

So, from now one, we'll talk about the want-to-do list.

Shift Your Mindset

A want-to-do list can either be a source of stress or a powerful tool for productivity, depending on how you view it.

Instead of seeing tasks as obligations, see them as choices.

Recognize that each task has a purpose in your life.

Buying Yourself means choosing to put things on that list that YOU want to do.

That you know will bring your life forward in some direction.

It can be those boring, necessary things like;

• Paying the bills.
• Call the bank or hand in your declaration.
• Take your car to the service.

or the things we've chosen to like;

• Finalize that certificate.
• Hitting the gym.
• Showing up to that networking event.
• Attending that mastermind/coaching.

As you see, all necessary things.

Some are a "must" and others we've chosen to add ourselves.

But overall, they will contribute and bring your life forward in some ways.

When you align your tasks with your intentions, you'll find it easy to push through.

Understand the "Why"

Think about why you chose to do each task.

What benefits will it bring you?

Incorporate those thoughts into your daily plan.

Even the mundane tasks can be re-framed.

Ask yourself: How can I see the value in this?

Maybe it's recognizing the end result or the skills you're developing.

Celebrate Every Win

Celebrate small wins.

Each completed task on your list is a victory.

Seeing it this way reduces burnout and enhances productivity.

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

Every step forward is a step is a step forward.

How to Create a Want-To-Do List:

1. Reflect on Choices: Take a moment to think about why you've chosen to do each task. They are there for a reason. What benefits do they bring?
2. Identify Essentials: List your essential tasks. Understand their importance.
3. Find the Value: For every task, find a reason that makes it worthwhile. How does it contribute to your goals?
4. Personalize Tasks: Add personal touches. Play music, take breaks, or find a cozy spot to work.
5. Set Achievable Goals: Break tasks into smaller steps. Celebrate each completion.
6. Review Regularly: Adjust your list daily. Is it still accurate or can we remove something?

Take Control

When we forget our ability to choose, we learn to be helpless - Greg McKeown

You should be running a want-to-do list for your life, not the other way around.

Your want-to-do list is just the tasks, actions, and habits that will shape you and your life tomorrow, next week, next month, and so on...

Hence why they are WANT - to.

When you know what you want, you add it to that list, you will show up with a different energy to that list.

And you will make it happen!

Coaching Question 1:

How can you shift your mindset to view your to-do list as a tool for personal growth rather than a source of stress?

Coaching Question 2:

How can you personalize your daily tasks to make them more enjoyable and fulfilling?

As your coach, I'm here to help you develop these further and take small steps towards buying yourself.

--> Schedule a free discovery call with me here.

?? My mission is to help you Buy Yourself.

?? Book Tip - Read more about this topic:

Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.

?Who do you know that needs to hear this today? Pass it forward ??

Always Keep Shining,

Adele