"I've got hundreds of things on my to-do list" she said.
I felt the humour in the beauty's eyes masked a sense of weariness of inevitability.
The inevitability that the longer the "To-DO" list is.
The less likely you will DO it.
My first business was selling e-liquids.
(Kind of like modern day "bathtub gin")
It was very much a belt and braces business, which I started while running a business for someone else that I had decided after 5 years it was time to leave.
I had a never ending to-do list.
In fact the only way I got rid of my lists, was when I mentally threw my hands up in exasperation and just started a whole new list.
Even thinking about it gave me anxiety.
Sometimes I would put really easy and simple things on the list just so I could quickly cross them off and get that dopamine rush.
I never really got the hang of them until a copywriting mentor of mine shared the lists he had.
He had a list of things
Written in giant letters on a yellow legal pad.
Appointments, a time tracker and a note at the end of the day.
Mine are a bit simpler
Now of course I have alot of things to DO.
But I only have so much time.
And with a massive to-DO list I seem to spend an unconscionable amount of time, worrying about all the things that I have to get done.
Meaning I end up pretty much doing nothing, then going home feeling mentally exhausted.
I think to-DO lists should be as simple and as SHORT as possible, loaded with the things that will have the most impact.
Plus, they should feed the brain's basic need for a reward.
Like a gold star.
Or a line through that thing you did.
I personally find it deeply satisfying.
And if I like it, and it makes me feel good.
I'll do it again.
I've also learnt from experience that I can't really get more than 2-3 big things done in a day.
So, I make it as simple as possible.
On the odd occasion I find myself with time, I say I'll do more, but generally I relax in a satisfied puddle of productivity.
Give it a try.
Escape your tyrannical to-do list.
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