How I Learned To-Do Lists Are Overrated

I used to love to-do lists. Honestly. I might have even had a small obsession with them. I would wake up each morning and make my list for the day, and then I would live and die by that list. Sometimes I would even add something I had already done to the list, just so I could enjoy the feeling of crossing it off.

In fact, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but sometimes I would even write something like “brush your teeth” or “call your sister” on the list, and then cross it off, just to feel the pure satisfaction of having done something.

It wasn’t until recently I realized to-do lists were a problem for me.

Not a small problem, but a big problem. Like that moment you find yourself squirting dish soap on top of the pan of brownies you’ve thrown into the garbage can, just so you won’t reach in with a fork and continue eating them (I’ve never actually done that, but I can imagine). Big problem.

*Photo by Jesus Solana, Creative Commons

Anyway, the point is, sticking to my to-do list was getting in the way of a satisfying, productive and meaningful work and social life.

Here’s how.

First, my to-do lists were giving me the false impression I was being productive.

Although it felt productive to write several things down on a piece of paper and cross them off, it didn’t mean I was actually being productive; because productivity is about producing something, and I wasn’t producing anything — except maybe stress.

I had no idea what I was being productive towards. And when you move 100 miles per minute, but you’re heading to nowhere, the only thing that happens is you get to nowhere fast.

At the end of the day, my life still felt dissatisfying and pointless.

Second, my to-do list was taking the joy out of the tasks themselves.

There were tasks I loved to do — like cooking, for example, or grocery shopping or buying a present for someone — but once I put them on my to-do list it was like the joy was sucked right out of them.

Life was a constant race against my to-do list, and if the objective was to cross things off the list as quickly as possible, there was no time to slow down and enjoy the things I really loved.

Third, my to-do lists never made space for rest.

My to-do lists were never-ending. Part of this was because there was no discernment about what should be added to the list, and what shouldn’t, but part of it was simply because life is full of things “to do.” Life can be an endless stream of tasks we could or should do, if we allow it.

For every one thing I crossed off the list, ten more could be added. But if I ever took a break from “the list” I would feel guilty because the list wasn’t done.

Finally, my obsession with to-do lists didn’t allow for changes in direction.

The longer I go without my to-do list, the more I’m realizing my most successful, satisfying and “productive” days are days where I’m willing to focus on what I’m supposed to be doing, but I’m also willing to flex and move and change priorities at a moment’s notice.

A friend calls and needs some help…

A great opportunity comes up…

A client calls and needs a project rushed…

In these moments, I can’t be living and dying by a certain to-do list, or I’ll miss opportunities to move in the direction I actually want to be going.

• • •

A resource that has been really helpful for me is the Storyline Productivity Schedule.

I started using the productivity schedule (somewhat skeptically, after my to-do list debaucle) a few weeks ago, and I have seen an incredible increase in my clarity, focus, enjoyment and productivity.

The SPS has helped me resolve each of the problems I listed above. It’s given me clear direction for what I’m doing each day, made space for rest and to enjoy life’s simple tasks, and also allowed for changes in direction.

The best part is, it all starts with making a different set of lists each morning.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying to-do lists are totally useless. I’m just saying they’re overrated. As in, we give them way too much credit. A to-do list can’t do anything for me unless I first put some strategy behind it, and then quit worshipping it. And the Storyline Productivity Schedule helped me make that switch.

How I Learned To-Do Lists Are Overrated is a post from: Storyline Blog