Rethinking Lists
We ask a lot of ourselves, that’s why we created to-do lists. It seems easy. Want to be a superhero? Here's a to-do list:
- Buy a cape.
- Learn superpowers.
- Find a nemesis.
Simple, right?
This creates the illusion that:
- Anything on the to-do list is manageable by you, at any given time.
- Each item is equal, and can be completed within minutes.
- The to-do list is infinite, so you can add whatever you wish.
- If you haven't done everything today, the tasks will pile up for tomorrow. No worries.
As a solo creative freelancer, to-do lists are crucial. If my list doesn't dictate my tasks, what should I do during the day? Creating a detailed list when I'm overwhelmed is very helpful.
It gives me the illusion of control. It makes me feel that I "will" complete all the tasks. But writting down tasks isn't the same as executing them. Sometimes it feels like I'm just adding more weight on my shoulders… and I'm always left chasing my never-ending to-do list.
You'll find some tips on the internet to make better to-do lists: no more than 3 items per day, use only action verbs, focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions, prioritize tasks, break large tasks into smaller steps, etc. These are all just ways to counteract the inherent flaws of to-do lists.
But the truth is: we're pushing ourselves to do more than we can handle. The purpose of the to-do list is to get more done. And if we manage to tick off everything, maybe we could do more, and then even more?
I'm rethinking my relationship with the lists I create. Should I make a don't-do list? A could-do list? Where should I draw the line with the tasks I write down on my list? Should I even be making lists anymore?
I don't have a ready-made solution to help you get rid of your lists. I'm just glad that I've identified a problem. I have some ideas on how to organize my day-to-day life without those lists. I plan to experiment with some techniques over the next few days.
To delve deeper into this topic, you can read this article: Stop Using A To-Do List - Darius Foroux