How to Tame Your To-Do List

to do list overwhelm

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. // Saint Augustine

In the past, I wrestled with this concept a bit. Even though I'm a faithful person, supernatural trust and surrender are not easy. For most of my adult life I thought, if I want something to happen, I need to hustle constantly. But that always ended up being the hard way. What's more reassuring? You're the only one responsible for all.the.things in your life and business, or you have help?

I have discovered that peace, joy, and achievement can all work together. To put it in the simplest terms, it comes down to how I begin and end my day.

If you're feeling like you can never rest because your to-do list is too long and for some reason it's all important, try one or all three of these tools.

1. A nightly brain dump.

Get it all out of your head and onto paper, put the list on your nightstand, then get some rest. First thing in the morning, reread your list. Your brain does a lot of repair work at night (have you ever felt like you solved a problem overnight?).

After you've read your list with fresh eyes, ask God what He wants you to work on for the day. Then focus on that one thing for the day. This simple but effective tool works because you have the choice to renew your mind and choose your input before your day even begins. Divine intervention helps, too.

2. Time block your schedule.

Designate blocks of time on your schedule for family, work, and play or rest.

For me, this means while my boys are in school I meet with clients and get some “alone” time in. Once I pick them up at school, it's time to be present for them through dinner.

3. Give your day a theme.

Try focusing on one thing each day. For example, Mondays focus on personal development, Wednesdays only wash towels and sheets, Fridays follow-up and catch up from the week.

You get the idea…

Which one will you try? Let us know in the comments or better yet, rest.

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Liz Montigny coaches Catholic women to go from daily chaos to simplicity so they can love life. She is a wife and a mom to three boys. Tea, big earrings, living a non-toxic lifestyle, and creative evangelization are some of her other loves. You can find out more about her here.