To-do lists can sometimes become challenging and feel more like a burden than a help. I recently went through a similar situation, feeling anxious and exhausted from continually juggling my tasks. After taking a close look at my daily schedule, I realized things were getting out of hand and required some serious management. Therefore, I chose to take drastic measures. I picked up my samurai sword and began chopping through my to-do list.
What was the result? I eliminated the majority of the tasks. Instead, I chose a simpler technique. I concentrated, most of the time, on just one task at a time. I achieved 80% of my desired results with just one action. And you know what? It made a huge difference. If you are feeling overwhelmed, this method may help. Let me explain it to you.
Doing a lot equals doing nothing
Many people are trapped in the routine of everyday life without being aware of it. The constant barrage of notifications on their smartphones rules their lives. It is like a never-ending game of ping pong, where they take care of every urgent problem as it arises, their attention always shifting due to external factors.
What is disturbing is that many people are unaware of this loop. They treat everyday duties as seriously as religious commitments, even when they are not necessary. You may feel overwhelmed because:
1. You have no information
The internet has made data accessible to everyone. Now, when working on a project or pursuing a goal, there is no need to depend on guesswork. Sharing ideas on social media allows you to gain comments, opinions, and interaction. This allows you to understand what is essential to people and focus your efforts on fixing the right issues.
2. You switch between various tasks
You do not have much patience. Instead of devoting yourself entirely to one goal for an extended period of time—five years, or even decades—you switch between them. This continual shifting means you never give yourself enough time to gather feedback and improve the aspects that will help you progress.
As a result, the vast majority of people never progress beyond their early years. They never reach their full potential, struggle with money, and feel bored and confused. Even though it is sad, it is true.
What exactly do you learn if you give something your best for just thirty days? It takes time and effort to become an expert in something, and you will never get there if you keep trying new things.
3. You are not going after your goal
I get this question all the time: “What should I write about?” As for me, I am done battling with this. Why? I focus on my true passions. How interested I am in a topic is reflected in my writing. Your creative side comes out to play when you follow your passion. An obsession takes control of your thoughts. You get up earlier than usual because you are obsessed with success and want to work towards your targets before your everyday responsibilities take priority.
We all have obsessions. However, many of us are embarrassed to confess we have them because we believe we are not interesting, accomplished, or renowned enough. Almost any obsession can become a successful professional path by means of the internet. “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing,” as Stephen Covey once stated.
Is there something interesting here?
We have a little secret: we all like shiny things. I am determined to grow and improve all aspects of my life until I am completely satisfied with the abilities I have. I can’t resist doing it. I stop myself whenever I feel like starting something new or adding to my already large list of tasks and ask myself, “Is this just another shiny object?” And you know what? It usually is.
Shiny objects are tempting because they often offer an escape from difficult tasks. They pull us away from what truly matters, much like glittering diversion. Furthermore, the problem with shiny items is that, despite their attractive appearance, they rarely produce anything valuable. They are like tiny escapes from uncertainty, but if you pursue them too closely, you may end up running after them for the rest of your life in search of the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
You need more focus, not more time
Individuals frequently brag about how busy they are, but in reality, busyness can be misleading. Busy people often lack attention. When someone lacks a defined objective in mind, they prefer to take on any activity that is provided to them, filling their schedules with meaningless tasks. Why do some people achieve extraordinary things while others struggle to grow, given that every day consists of the same twenty-four hours? The key is focus.
People who are focused can accomplish things that society thinks are not possible. Even if I am not the finest writer, my consistent effort has helped me succeed in my field. If you frequently tell yourself that you are too busy or that you need more time, you are most likely on the path to living your life by accomplishing the goals of others rather than your own.
It takes ruthlessness to remove unneeded demands from your time in order to focus. You have to develop a level of time management discipline that may even annoy some people. If you don’t, you run the risk of being somebody who always puts the needs of others above your own goals.
You get more with less
A clear hierarchy of priorities generates genuine attention. Only last week, I was completely overwhelmed. My lengthy to-do list involved creating a compelling landing page in addition to a few other tasks. I struggled with deciding which task to do first.
So, I would like to offer you a few suggestions in this regard: Think carefully and prepare a list of the advantages and disadvantages. You will realize that doing some things will actually help you get closer to your goals. It will be easy for you to decide which duties to prioritize.
The bottom line
When you face reality and discover the real factors that affect your thoughts, a whole new universe becomes visible. Fear is typically the reason we seek distractions rather than taking on challenging assignments or making difficult decisions. Those shiny distractions may appear appealing, but they are merely a means of avoiding the bothersome duties that truly matter. If you don’t wake up and throw these diversions away, you will be asking where your life went in ten years.
If you have fallen into any of these traps, please let me know in the comments along with what brought you there.
Sana Ahmed Khan is a life coach and author of multiple books from Islamabad, Pakistan. As a certified life coach and author, Sana is keen on helping women from all walks of life. Sana empowers you to overcome self-doubt, find balance, and become your best self through her guidance focused on mindful living, social skills, and personal development.
