Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Well, here is an important technique for reducing the stress that comes with a long list of stuff to do, at home and at work.
Focus on three things at a time.
Your brain doesn’t like long lists. Reduce the length of the list and you will feel lighter and much more motivated.
Action – On a piece of paper, write down just 3 things from your long to-do list that you are prepared to focus on for the next time frame, whether that’s an hour, day, week, whatever. Place your longer list away in a drawer until all 3 tasks are complete.Then, take another 3, again hiding what’s left of the longer list.
You see, focusing on three activities will give you a sense of confidence in your ability, and a feeling of accomplishment as the items get crossed off.
It’s fast, simple and very functional.
Thanks for the useful tip to simplify life and not feel constantly overwhelmed. Focus on 3 makes me confront what’s really important versus what can wait. Thanks Nancy!
You are most welcome Mike. Focusing on 3 has got to be one of the best ways for feeling confident and accomplished at the same time as improving productivity without excess stress!
This is a great tip to share at home as well as the office. I think it will also assist my kids in getting more organized. Great introduction.
I am pleased you like it Gale and, yes, at home we also focus on 3 things at a time.
What a refreshing idea! My entire career I have always been taught to create a to do list at the end of the day for the next work day. Usually my list would consist of 5-7 or more items. I like the idea of making the list but only focusing on 3 items per day. This should cut my stress leval down and make my life longer:) Thanks Nancy for your wonderful tips. Love this training!
Always good to be reminded of this one – especially at this busy holiday time, when it is so easy to talk myself into stressing 😛 thank you Nancy!
I am not sure who shared this with me years ago when I was discussing the challenges of getting our kids to complete their chores/homework. We have used this in our house for years and it works!!! Unfortunately, I don’t do this is the workplace. I still make my long lists. Maybe it is time to listen to my own advice (and Nancy’s too) 🙂 Thank you!
It’s useful tip to my simplity life
this was very helpful. Thank you, Liza
Thank you for your to do list Practice in my work place . Always my list in length. after read your things I prepared Tomorrow work three activities.
I have a list pinned next to my workstation called “Zen Things”. It has 12 points (not all of which I observe!) however in the spirit of this sound advice I’ll offer you the first 3.
1. Do one thing at a time.
2. Do it slowly and deliberately.
3. Do it completely.
This works for me!
Agreed!
Thank you for the tip. I am going to apply this immediately.