You have this long to-do list, and items keep getting added to it, and the list gets longer and longer. So what do you do? Here are three suggestions that can help.
First: Acknowledge and accept the fact that this "overgrown to-do list" phenomena is a "reality" that is associated with today's information overload. It is a "reality" and we can choose to surrender to, instead of defying it. Paradoxically, if we surrender to it, and give up the idea and wishful thinking that we will do it all, we are likely to free up more of our energy and get more accomplished.
Second: Another way to look at it is to redefine your to-do list from being the traditional "rigid" to-do list that needs to get done, to being a "choice" list from which you choose what you will do. The key to success is choosing strategically what to do, and negotiating strategically what not to do.
Third: Create a new kind of list. The "not-to-do" list. These are items that you intentionally decide not to do. Instead of dragging them along on your to-do list, and dragging along the guilt and negative energy associated with it, make that conscious decision of not doing them. Once more, choosing and negotiating strategically are key.
So "to-do or not-to-do" is the new question that you want to consider when faced with to-do items, and maybe some of these items that come your way, can immediately make it to the not-to-do list.
