Do you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list?
Does it make you feel like not doing anything?
Does it lead to paralysis?
This is a common issue with perfectionists; being busy with a lot to do and wanting to do it all perfectly leads to a lot of procrastination.
How can you avoid this issue?
Here are three ways to avoid the feeling of horror that comes with looking at an overflowing to-do list.
1.) Break big tasks down into smaller pieces
Many of the things you have to do are actually multiple things that get rolled into one large task. Or they are one thing that has a lot of component steps. Take filing your taxes, for example. There are many steps involved in the process, from gathering all of your documents to dropping the return in the mailbox or hitting transmit.
Instead of looking at a large task as one gargantuan task taking up space on your to-do list, break it down into multiple parts. Put each of these on your list as a separate item and mark off each one as you complete it. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task and keep you from feeling frustrated at not being able to get it done.
2.) Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize
You can’t do everything, and trying is a recipe for frustration, anxiety, and procrastination (not to mention self-criticism).
How can you handle this? Don’t try.
Go over your to-do list and prioritize every item in order of importance and urgency. Use deadlines and due dates as a guide.
Next, decide what must be done on any one day. Don’t try to give yourself too many priorities in any single day. You don’t have the time or the bandwidth to handle too many.
How many is enough? Aim for around 3, and don’t put more than 5 on the list for a day. You can even prioritize within these.
3.) Delegate and outsource
Again, you can’t do everything, and as hard as it is to let go of control, you’re going to need to learn to do it. What tasks on your list absolutely must be done by you? Be honest; there’s going to be plenty that other people could do.
Take these tasks and delegate or outsource them to give yourself some relief. This will free you up to focus on the more important tasks on your list. You’ll feel so much better!