Your to do list is your life, your memory, and your guide for the day. But sometimes, it can get overwhelming. There’s just too much to do and not enough time. If you want to manage your to do list and get all the things done without it being overwhelming. I am here for you, mom.
The to do list is like the life-blood of your day. You can’t move or plan without it. At least it is for me. I live by my to do list.
You write it all out so you can see what needs to be done and check those boxes when it does get done. I love that part. The downside of writing it all out is it is visually overwhelming. You want to cry when you see everything that you need to do. But you can avoid to do list overwhelm. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and let’s tackle it.
I’ve tried planners with specific time slots and that never worked for me. I just ended up frustrated. For the past few years, I’ve been using to do lists instead of blocking time, and it is the solution that I needed.
This post is going to show you how to manage your to do list without feeling overwhelmed.
But, First, Let’s Talk About Goals
If we are going to talk about our to do lists, then we need to discuss goals. Because the things we want to accomplish in the year, month, and week will feed our to do lists.
Ok so I despise goals. Let me clarify. I despise SMART goals and big hairy scary goals. You know the systems that all the gurus teach. But we are Rebel Moms, so we are allowed to ignore the gurus.
I want to accomplish big things, and I do, but I can’t do it using SMART goals. If that’s you, then let me be your blunt mom friend. You don’t have to use SMART goals to accomplish big things. I know, I am feeling so contrary today.
The reason I despise these systems is they weren’t created with the working homeschool mom in mind. They were really setup for uninterrupted days with the ability to set aside large chunks of time. Which is not the life of a mom entrepreneur. We are busy. Work and goals happen in the margins of your day, and it is still possible to crush those big goals. This is the life we chose. So stop feeling guilty if you aren’t accomplishing your big goals, and let’s find forge our own path that will actually work for moms, so you can start crushing it.
The To Do List Alternative to Goals
Instead of goals create habits. Yes, make a list at the beginning of the year of things you want to accomplish. But they don’t need to be measurable or time sensitive. Instead of saying, “I want to run a 5k.” Which is an excellent SMART goal, but a terrible goal for a mom just wanting to take care of herself. Say, “I want to get in shape and practice a healthier lifestyle, so I will be a better mom and have more energy for my kids.” What a contrast to a SMART goal. This is something you want to start. But there isn’t an ending. This is a lifestyle change and a habit.
That is the alternative to goals. Create habits and processes. Improve 1% every day, and you will accomplish big things. And your to do list is going to help you with this.
You May Also Like:
A Mom’s Realistic Guide to Setting Goals and Crushing Them
Setting Goals in Life for Moms—Getting Started
Habits are the Process to Achieve Your Goals
Practical Tips to Achieve Goals
Avoid To Do List Overwhelm
Now that you know what is feeding your to do list, your big things you want to accomplish let’s create a to do list to get all the things done.
1. Create routines
Instead of scheduling every minute of your day create routines, and set your day on autopilot. Routines will help to free up the mom mental load, so you aren’t overwhelmed with all the mundane tasks. And you can start thinking creatively.
Do you want to brush your teeth and your mind is flooded with new ideas, instead of what the kids need to do next? Are they wearing clean socks and underwear? Did they finish their math? If you want to get your creative juices flowing, then create routines. Start with a morning routine.
2. Ditch SMART goals
I know this was already said, but let’s say it again. You don’t have to create SMART goals to accomplish big things. Be a Rebel Mom, and free yourself from this.
When I start my year, I pick some specific things I want to accomplish, like books to read. Then general ideas and habits. Yes, somethings are specific because that is the nature of it. Like I want to create 100 more books to publish by the end of the year. Others are general, like get really good at marketing.
Now I know what will feed my to do list for the month, week, and day.
3. Pick 3 things to accomplish every month
I always pick 3 things I want to accomplish each month. These are outside of my regular habits. Since I want to create another 100 books this year, my habit is to publish 8 books per month. So this isn’t one of my big 3 things because it is habit.
I will usually pick a business book, something business related, and something else. These are added to my weekly to do list.
4. Plan your week: what is your high priority
The 3 things are my high priorities for the week. There are the things that need to happen every week, which is part of our routines. These extras are added to the weekly to do list and slotted in around every things else.
They are fit into the margins of every day. Like writing during my daughter’s 30 minute piano lesson. Or getting up early on a Friday morning to work on my homework before we head off to our homeschool co-op.
Mom, I get it. We are pantry hiding, 15 minute grabbing, toddler on your lap while writing a blog post experts. It is possible to get things accomplished in short bursts. Remember it is 1% improvement every day.
5. Keep it light
Now for the obvious part, don’t over plan. It is so easy to add everything to your to do list notebook and get overly ambitious.
I’ve been keeping a to do list for so many years, I have a pretty good idea of what I can handle in a week. Test and make changes. Plan a week with what you think you can handle, then evaluate you to do list at the end. Did you accomplish everything? Are you completely exhausted even though you did accomplish it? Make the necessary adjustments.
6. Plan down time
Yes, this needs to be added to your list so you can check it off. Especially, if your brain is project oriented or you just really like check marks. I also add shower to my to do list. If there is a fun book I want to read, that is on the list. Take the kids swimming. On the list.
It is important to work hard and rest well, so you can keep working hard. It is really difficult to approach your to do lists with an empty tank. The only way to refill it is with downtime.
7. Make adjustments
You will never find a perfect system right from the start. Try something and make adjustments. Making adjustments is not a sign that something is failing. But it is a sign that you are making something work for you.
I am not a fan of the one-size fits all way of doing things. So tailor this system to work for you.
Conclusion: Avoid To Do List Overwhelm
Creating a to do list that actually works for you is going to take trial and error. Start with a Get More Done Notebook because it helps with inspiration, and it is just fun. Then create the routines for your day.
FAQ: Managing Your To Do List Without Overwhelm
Q: Why is my to-do list so overwhelming?
A: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a to-do list because it visually represents all the tasks you need to complete. When you see everything written down, it can feel like too much to handle. The key is to break down tasks into manageable chunks and prioritize them.
Q: How can I avoid feeling overwhelmed by my to do list?
A: Start with creating routines instead of scheduling every minute of your day. And start with the easiest one, a morning routine. Creating routines will free up mental space and reduce your feelings of overwhelm.
Q: How do I create routines that work?
A: Start with simple routines, like a morning routine, that set the tone for your day. Then build other routines that fit your lifestyle and needs. Consistency is key, so make sure these routines are realistic and sustainable.
Q: Can I accomplish big things without SMART goals?
A: Absolutely! You can set broader goals that focus on habits and continuous improvement rather than specific, measurable outcomes. This approach allows more flexibility and can be more motivating for moms juggling multiple responsibilities.
Q: What should I prioritize on my to do list?
A: Pick three high-priority tasks for the week and focus on accomplishing them. These should be tasks that are outside your regular habits but essential for achieving your larger goals. Fit them into the margins of your day.
Q: What if I don’t accomplish everything on my to do list?
A: It’s normal not to complete everything on your list. Evaluate your to do list at the end of the week, adjust your expectations, and make necessary changes. The goal is to find a system that works for you, not to overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations.
Q: Should I include downtime in my to do list?
A: Yes, downtime is essential for maintaining productivity and mental health. Include activities like reading, spending a few minutes in quiet, or taking a walk to your to do list.
Q: How do I know if my to do list system is working?
A: Your to do list system is working if it helps you stay organized, reduces stress, and allows you to accomplish your priorities. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, it might be time to make adjustments and find a better approach.
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