How do you accomplish your to-dos when you’re overwhelmed?
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Like no matter how much you get done, the list just keeps growing.
And somehow you’re still just not making progress?
Table of Contents:
Maybe you’re drowning in thoughts of “if only I could get this done” or wondering “how can I do this all?”
Does your success feel like it’s waiting for you somewhere at the end of your to-dos list?
You’re not alone! Most of us are trying to do too much, in too little time. But, there’s a better way!
It’s time to take a serious look at how you’re making your to-dos list and talk about how you can actually accomplish your to-dos.
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I Have Too Much To Do
Are you overwhelmed by the immensity of what you are trying to accomplish? Perhaps you wonder how anyone else does it?
Like seriously, can someone please tell me how some can work every day, promote their brand on social, have their marketing lined up, sales pages on fleek (are people still saying “fleek?” – no time to find out), eating healthy and staying fit, oh and they look great (yes, yes I do Insta-stack you).
I just cannot keep up, I can’t keep up with the slang of the day or even the to-dos of the day.
I’ve been feeling overwhelmed… with everything feeling too much, too big and just running away from me.
Like I’m barreling down the stairs with my arms full of things that are falling just out of my grasp. Starting to even feel like I’m just a fold of limbs at the bottom of the stairs, with everything I’m hoping to work towards piled on top of me.
“Help me…”
So, what do you do when you have too much to do?
Anytime my goals feel out of control, and my to-dos start drowning me or I start feeling overwhelmed day-to-day, I know I need to STOP what I’m doing because it’s just not working anymore.
I need to CHANGE it up and RESET my routines and change my habits surrounding slaying my goals.
And ground zero for slaying your goals is your daily to-dos.
It doesn’t get any more micro than that. If you aren’t making progress in your now, you are not making progress at all.
This is a play-by-play, behind the scenes look at how I went from “AH, how can I do this?” to exhale, “YAH, I can do this!”
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 10 Habits that Teach You How to Be Successful
How to Accomplish Your To-Dos
Step #1: Stop, Drop and Breathe
Just stop what you’re doing, because if you are overwhelmed then something isn’t working.
Why are you overwhelmed?
Are you just being busy thinking you’re making progress?
Your priorities are out of whack, you’re taking on too much, you’re not being productive or maybe you’re just wasting time.
Like, just stop! Trust me, everything won’t fall apart if you don’t “work” on it for one day. Doing for the sake of doing and feeling like you’re getting shit done (when you’re not), is a waste of your time and energy.
It’s so easy to get caught up on the daily to-do list but lose sight of your goals, of your mission.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 15 Best Productivity Tips at Work
Step #2: Pick Your #1 Priority
Which area of your life is a priority for you right now?
You need to decide what you need to focus on.
Is it your business or blog? Your personal relationships? Your child or spouse?
Decide and then stop beating yourself up about not being able to focus on everything. Your priority isn’t forever, you’ve just decided what it is right now, and maybe right after.
You cannot prioritize everything because you won’t do anything well. It’s impossible to multitask your focus or your time. Sure, you can try to, but you’ll crash and burn or be crushed by overwhelming like how I’ve been feeling.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Set Your Priorities
Also, rank your other priorities that you will focus on after you’ve settled or accomplished this one.
Personally, I cannot build my blog, crush it at social media, run my side-business helping other -preneurs, clean my house, run a photography business, have a social life, have a dating life (that’s in itself is a job) and look good.
Which is why I look like a hobo with a laptop (movie rights pending). Don’t kid yourself, something always has to give.
Step #3: Make a “Wish” List
Open a new document or grab a blank sheet of paper and write down everything you feel like you need to get done. Don’t leave anything out, it’ll just rattle around in your mind. Put it on paper instead.
If we’re being honest most of the time our to-do list is more of a wish list anyway.
We get overwhelmed by our “to-do lists” because it has everything on there including:
- things we have to get done (or there will be consequences),
- reminders (so we don’t forget),
- activities we do daily (our routines and habits),
- our schedule (booked appointments) and
- on top of all of this, our hopes and dreams.
Once you’ve started writing you can see how your to-do list can easily become inflated and co-opted by just every thought and activity we need to and would like to do. The perfect place for your wish list is your daily journal or bullet journal.
Understanding the difference between a to-do and a wish is key to sorting the overwhelm. More on that in the next step.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix
Step #4: Carve Out Your To-Do List
Take your wish list or print it out, grab a red pen or the highlighter tool and get trimming! Carve away the wish, the reminders to expose your true to-do list that serves your #1 priority. You can add later beside anything that will be your next priority.
If your above-decided focus isn’t enough to help you decide what should stay or be cut, use the following questions to evaluate each task.
- What’s important? What’s urgent? Keep, what’s both.
- What can you do later (next month, the month after, next year)?
- Does it matter if you do this? Like will anyone even notice if you don’t? What will happen if you don’t? Nothing? Then don’t do it.
- Is this a make it or break it task?
- Why do you want to do this? Is it for vanity or necessity?
- What has a due date or a must be done before a date or there will be consequences date?
Step #5: Set Your Timeline + Schedule
You know your priority (yes, singular) and your to-dos, so what’s your timeline?
Set a timeframe for your priority.
For example, if you’re like me it’s your blog: my priority is being consistent with my content and automating my social media. Next week, I’ll focus on affiliate marketing.
Then, create a weekly schedule for your to-dos, assigning one or two tasks (at the most) to each day. If you don’t have time to work on your to-dos every day, that’s okay! Pick at least TWO times each week to commit to your to-dos.
On top of this, there are the tasks that must be done weekly or once a month, like publish a new post and emailing you or bookkeeping and backing up my laptop.
For monthly tasks or appointments, set reminders in your calendar app to clear up your to-do list.
👉🏽RELATED POST: How to Prioritize Your Time at Work and Home
Your goal is to create a routine! Commitments that are habitual will become second nature to you.
For example, every day at noon I track my stats, I don’t even think about it anymore, I literally never forget, I just do it.
Another example, every Sunday I write my weekly newsletter. I don’t think about it, I just do it. It’s just what I do!
HOW EXACTLY? You can use a whiteboard + post-its like me, or a planner or even something like Trello or Asana to keep your to-dos on schedule. Sometimes I use all three! It just depends on what you need.
Step #6: Start with Unstoppable Focus
Don’t get distracted!
I repeat, DO NOT get distracted.
It’s time to ignore all those shiny objects that come your way, to beat the procrastination and to just focus on getting it done.
I know how it goes, the minute you commit to something everyone and their mom comes crawling out of the woodwork asking for help. Offering you a new job, the next big thing maybe plans for trips and other fun stuff.
Avoid any shiny pennies too! Stick to what you’re working on, it will work out if you work now. You’ll have other bright ideas but ignore the urge to chase that new shiny penny. Shine the penny you have right now.
Stay committed to your #1 priority. Make sure you’ve scheduled the time each week (try to stick to the same time), and you’ve set reminders so pay attention to them!
Do you still feel like you have to much to do?
If you get started and it still feels too much, then cut back and/or extend your timeline. Don’t be afraid to make changes.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Quickly Beat Overwhelm with Lazy Goals
Beat the Overwhelm to Conquer Your To-Do List
The key to defeating overwhelm and overcoming the feeling like you just don’t have enough time is focusing solely on one priority at a time.
I’m sorry to say this, but multitasking is a lie and often the reason why we feel like we’re drowning or buried in “doing stuff.” Do one thing well at a time.
It’s the same with priorities, just make a choice.
Accomplish Your To-Dos with the Workbook
It’s time to finally defeat the overwhelm of having too much to do.
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It’s not that there isn’t enough time, it’s that you aren’t using your time and energy with intention. Start with what’s important, and do your best to ignore everything else.
You’ll get the rest or you won’t, but at least you will accomplish what’s most important to you.
We can’t make progress towards achieving your goals if we’re running, all over the place in every direction.
Choose your direction, then crush every task on your path to success.
How do you accomplish your to-do list?
Crush Your To-dos!
I’m stumbling upon these tips at the right time! It’s going to be a very busy week with my son’s exams coming up and I feel like I have way too much on my hands.
Hey Czjai,
You can do it! Perhaps it’s time to take a break from a few things while you prioritize your son’s studying. Best of luck on the exams,
Nadalie
I love this list! I am always breaking my tasks into little steps, so it always seems to be a lot more than what it is. Your tips really do help. I am really intrigued by the “make a wish list” step. I am going to try it!
Hey Amanda,
That’s only my favourite part of the accomplishing your to-dos process. We all have so much we want to do that they might as well be wishes. With your tasks you’d like to accomplish, I find it helps to create the clearest path from where you are to where you want to be, and those same questions can help you cut out the unnecessary.
Happy crushing,
Nadalie
Great tips! I am obsessed with to-do lists and planning, so I’ll definitely be saving this one for later. Between my full-time job, my blog, and soon my schoolwork, I make a lot of lists. This is a really helpful resource for me, so I’m saving it for later.
Thanks Taylor!
OMG me too, it’s my #1 obsession, as evidence by the huge pile of “ideas” and “notes” I always have on my desk. Wow, that is a lot to do. I remember those days. You go girl!
Happy list making,
Nadalie
What a brilliant and fun tips! This is very useful and must share to everyone! I’m really glad that I found this blog post.
Hey Kelly,
Thanks so much, so glad you found them fun. I know I had fun writing this post, but then again I’m a nerd like that.
These are great tips Nadalie. 🙂 I often feel so overwhelmed by my tasks and I never prioritize well. Instead, I keep procrastinating to avoid the ones that I really don’t want to do.
Hey Ronnie,
So happy you found it helpful! One can really get bogged down without clearly defined priorities. Haha, I usually just don’t end up doing the things I procrastinate. I have a theory that there’s usually a deeper reason as to why you don’t want to do it. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. hehe.
If I could just write down my to do list on paper, then I think I have a much better chance of accomplishing my goals. I do put my to do list in my phone calendar but not on paper.
Hey Evelyn,
I find there is almost a bit of fortune telling in writing it down on paper. Almost like you’re willing it into existence. I usually write things down on paper and then type it up nicely as a plan or write it properly in my planner or large room calendar (I use huge whiteboards).
I love what you said about prioritizing. When I’m making the daily to-do list, I start with the most important things ALWAYS so I can stay on track!
Hey Victoria,
That’s the way to do it! I find it’s hard to know what your priorities are when you haven’t really decided. I’m guilty sometimes of that.
This post was awesome! I struggle with actually getting enough work done each day because I’m bad about making a to-do list.
Yay, so happy you found it helpful Danasia!
Write it and you’ll do it. I really do believe that there is power is putting it on paper.
Some things just can’t be done and you do have to let those go. Priority first, always so you set yourself up for success 🙂
Hey Rosey,
That’s soo true, we have to at times just let it go, or put it down for now. Focused priority = success for sure.
This post sounds like me every day. I have two to-do lists saved in my phone and I am always overwhelmed by them. I am definitely going to try to have one priority task completed each day. I think that will make my head spin less LOL.
Hey Breena,
Hehe, yup! I feel ya, saying you have ONE THING to do each day feels like you’re not doing that much, but steady day after day will get us there faster than trying to do more than one a day. My heads always spinning, need to remind myself to just choose one path.
My to do list can get so long sometimes and i get frustrated. These are some really good tips my friend. I will definitely try these.
Hey Sue,
I feel ya on that one. Frustration to the MAX! That’s why I just stopped calling them to-do lists, and “wish list” instead. Sometimes I feel like I’m just trying to pick one and run with it, but keep thinking about everything else I could or maybe should be doing.
I LOVE this!!! I use Trello to keep from drowning in my to do list and use the Eat that Frog philosophy – every morning when I get up, I eat the biggest frog – aka the one task that I am dreading most – first! And that makes all the other frogs look more like chocolate bars 😉
Hey Paige,
Oh yes, I’ve heard of eating the frog. I’d love to be able to do this, but my mornings I’ve got a routine for taking care of daily blog tasks and get them out of the way before noon. Then onto the bigger tasks that may be big scary, bumpy frogs.
I love this! I am a big list maker and love staying organized. Thanks for the tips
You are so welcome Jackie. Lists for the win!
when I feel overwhelmed I close all tabs and write and edit and do focused work.It cuts the overwhelm.Loved your advice
Hey Amrita,
Tabs can be so overwhelming. On my Mac I have different desktops for different windows/tabs so I can separate and not see things I’m working on. But I definitely do the same thing with my desk when I feel overwhelmed, clear it all and start fresh with a blank sheet of paper.
Crushing my to do list definitely requires some of your steps. Writing down my priorities for the day works for me. If I try to focus on more than the day that’s when it seems to be extremely overwhelming. I really like the idea from step 6. Setting a timeline and schedule is a new habit that I’m trying to form. As many jobs and pretty much life has set us up to believe that multi-tasking is a ‘thing’, I agree that it’s not realistic. We can’t possibly be shining our pennies that we have if we are putting forth less than the full effort towards it. Now off to being focused! Great ideas for reaching goals/dreams!
Hey Davina,
I completely agree with you, one main priority is more than enough to conquer for the day.
I am soo guilty of multi-tasking, but learning to stay focused and just shut everything else down. That’s exactly it, shining that penny takes all our efforts. I’m reminding of this as I write this. Off to get shining.
Happy crushing,
Nadalie
These are amazing tips! Especially about the “not to do” list. I’ve never realized how MASSIVE that list really is! Totally eyeopening!
Hey Whitney,
It’s so freeing once you start realizing how much of your to-do you really shouldn’t bother with.
Great tips. Making a to do list tops my list. I cannot do without it. It helps if you are multi tasking.
Hey Deepa,
Haha, isn’t that funny. To do list for today: make a to-do list. That’s me every once in a while, mostly I’m trying to limit my attempted to-do list.
These are amazing tips on how to accomplish your list! I think it’s always important to take a breather, even if it’s just 5 minutes to keep yourself from panicking.
Hey Carol,
The panic is so real. I feel it, it creeps up on you when you’re not noticing or are too busy “getting stuff done.”
Great ideas. The hardest part for me is remembering to breathe!
Hey Corey,
I so feel you on this! I sometimes have to force myself to just chill for a minute and NOT try and get something done. And exhale!
I love the “opportunities” list. Its amazing how just changing your perspective can make it all better and easier to accomplish.
You know what they say, “perspective is everything!”
Thanks for stopping by Jillian!
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I do stop and take a breather. I di-stress with meditation and a walk and then begin with the most urgent task.
Hey Elizabeth,
Me too! Inhale and exhale. Walking away is an important part of getting it done. I think I need to go for a walk right now.
I needed this today- I have a bad habit of “chasing the shiny penny” and never fully follow through. I need to stop and focus on what I am doing. Thank you so much! Great post!
Hey Chevelle,
Oh my, me too! They’re so shiny and tempting us with their endless possibilities. We gotta focus on the pennies in front of us, that we’ve already been shining ourselves.
Great post Natalie! Loved these tips – especially the idea of creating a “wish list.” My key to conquering my to-do list is to schedule everything! The night before I like to jot down everything I need to do the next day and organize them in time blocks. I also plan to take breaks every hour or so. It’s nice to just step away for a minute and let your mind rest.
Thanks so much Chasity!
Time blocking is the best thing for scheduling. I’ve found I’m generally more focused and able to get more done when I bulk my tasks and time block them. For example, I’ll do all my Pinterest scheduling for two+ weeks at once.
Yay for to-do lists that we can actually do!
This is a great post on how to crush your to do list. I know I have spent more time worrying about what I haven’t done which is such a big waste of time. These are all great tips that I will be using. Thanks for sharing the information.
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks for the blog love, happy you enjoyed it. Girl, I’m worrying all the time too. imagine how much more we could get done (or not get done), if we repurposed that worrying time into focused time.
Excellent article! Great advice that I will be implementing 😊.
Happy crushing!
This post is so on point. It’s so important to stop and re-assess every once in a while.
It sure is Emily! Thanks for stopping by.
Setting a timelime is so helpful when I have tons of things to get done. It actually helps me from stressing out too.
Hey Krystal,
Totally, knowing your timeline and plotting your to-dos along that path soo helps to contain the stress and overwhelm. Granted you can stay on track!
I love your step 4, I have found out that by writing everything down and crossing them out ad I go helps me a lot.
Xo Rachel
Hey Rachel,
Totally that checking things off your list is a GREAT feeling. Step #4 is also about crossing out unnecessary things that aren’t in line with your priority.
Oh my gosh I’m terrible with to-do lists, I always make them with the best of intentions and then get sidetracked. I’ll have to try it the way you’ve mentioned in your post and see if that works for me.
Hey Ellie,
It’s okay, I think a lot of us are. They have this way of taking on a life of their own, constantly growing and snowballing out of control!
Stay focused friend, you got this!
This is such great advice! I usually survive my to-do list by highlighting the stuff that’s most important. I also make sure I give myself little treats for getting things done!
Hey Roxy,
Highlights are the bomb (yes, I’m a school supplies geek for sure). And I love treats. I’m always telling myself, “if you get this done then you watch this on Netflix” lol. It totally works if you’re strict with yourself.
These tips are wonderful! When my to-do list is overwhelming, I find the 2-3 things that I have to get done that day and concentrate on those. For overwhelming life goals, I do kinda the same thing. If I could only accomplish 1-2 of these, what matters the most to me? I focus on those, and any others that get accomplished are just bonuses.
Hey Jessica,
That’s a great way to do it. It’s all about prioritizing and forgetting everything (for the moment) that isn’t important. Some days I can’t even get 3 things, so I hyper-focus on just one thing that would have the biggest impact for me that day.
Yay for crushing our to-dos lists!
Love these tips. My biggest breakthrough has been time-blocking and scheduling EVERY to-do. I put it in my planner, which has every hour marked out. If I have more to-dos than there are free hours, I have a problem!
Hey Suzie,
😊 So happy that you love this post!
Time-blocking has been EPIC for my to-do list. I do certain tasks for my blog once a month, instead of every day and I find I’m able to get so much more done.
Great advice! I tend to make myself overwhelmed with to-do tasks. The main reason, I feel, is I don’t write stuff down! Getting out of bed some days is a chore. I plan on rectifying that by going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. More hours in the day, right? Thank you for reminding me of how to crush my to-do list!
Hey Ladonna,
We all have those moments of overwhelm! Me too, even after writing this. Which is why I’m all about just stopping, and taking stock of everything before moving forward. You really have to start making actual lists on paper. It helps you sleep better and get everything out of your head.
This could not be more timely! Since school started, I have been swamped with back to school activities and a new baby on top of our regularly scheduled programming. Love these tips, thank you!
I’m so happy you found my post just at the right time. You are super busy! I really hope these tips help you manage. 🙂
I am so guilty of creating my to-do lists and either, totally not sticking to them or ignoring them all together. I am also good for altering as I go along. I have to work at this. These tips are all great. I will be trying, thanks for sharing.
Hey Sapphire,
You so gotta stick to the to-do list! I find that I get off track when I forget to consult it. It realllly helps to make a daily road map.
I find step #2 difficult. I feel guilt for choosing any one over another. Do you have a solution for this? Otherwise, I think I will crush my to do list now!
Hey Tami,
Isn’t it tough though? I know for me it’s not hard to pick so much as it’s hard to stay committed to it. Always feeling like oh maybe I made the wrong choice. I think it’s the looking back and getting distracted by other possible priorities that really gets us.
I love, love, love this! I’m the queen of over-scheduling my time and life. As a homeschooling mom to 7 – I tend to fill my schedule with way too much and I’ve been learning that I shouldn’t do that. I need time to have some peace and quiet. I love your point – to remember to just stop, drop, and breath (every.single.day). I’m all about scheduling but this post has really good tips. I’m sharing.
Hey Sasha,
hahah, I think I’d be the princess then. I do it too! I think we all do, we think something will take this much time, but it really takes THIIIIIISSSSSSSS much time and then some. Less is more as they say!
YES! I need this. Usually I am motivated but something has hit me this week. My to do list is NOT being crushed and it needs to be…BAD!! I am going to take your tips and implement them and hope for a better week next week. FOCUS!!!
😩 Don’t we all! I write for you as much as I write for myself – to remind me to take my own advice. I hope they help you FOCUS on your #1 priorities. Crush those to-dos, Censie!!
This was the article I needed to read. I did have to laugh when you said “I can’t keep up with the slang of the day” My kids have been driving me crazy. I just don’t feel I can always keep up. Being a single Mom and trying to keep everything together is sometimes challenging. I have decided to just admit I can’t do everything. Stop and breathe. I also am learning to taking some time for me.
Hey Shelley,
Hahaha, I’m like when did I get old. I sometimes wonder if I’ll outgrow the name of my blog. Could be awkward situation being middle-aged and talking like a tween.
We really can’t do everything, and it’s okay! But we can do what reallllly matters. Breathe and start there!
I could do with a few more hours a day to get things done. My to-do list is getting there just need more time no matter how much I prioritize.
Hey Liz,
I feel the same way. I’m always complaining, “okay body, why do you actually need to sleep.” And I’m honestly just waiting for being able to clone yourself to be a thing. #nojoke
I found myself in this place way too many times, because somehow between everything it is stopping and taking a breath that is super difficult. And keeping away from the distraction is the worst – I have it super tough to follow
Hey Lena,
*inhale* and *exhale* breathing is essential, yet somehow we forget that we need it for more than just oxygen. Let’s commit to taking a breath more often k? 😤
Hi there! I am having a blog party next weekend! I would love if you could come and share some of your awesome blog post with my community 🙂
Hope to see you there! xo
Hey Steph,
Thanks for the invite. I’ve actually never done one before, but I’ll look into it.