Signs Your To-Do List is Working Against You

If you feel overwhelmed just by looking at your to-do list, you’re not alone.

Here are a few signs your list might be working against you:

⚠️ You feel overwhelmed: The list is so long that it feels impossible to tackle.

⚠️ You carry tasks over every day: Some items never seem to get checked off.

⚠️ It’s more of a wish list: You’ve added too many “nice-to-haves” that aren’t realistic.

If any of these sound familiar, here are some quick tips to make your to-do list your friend, instead of your enemy! Instead of working from a never-ending to-do list, try this method.

1. Start with a Brain Dump:

Write down everything you need to do—big tasks, small chores, work deadlines, and personal errands—onto one giant list.

This step clears mental clutter by getting everything out of your head.

2. Pick Your Top 3 Tasks Each Day:

Select three items from your brain dump to become your to-do list for the day.

Limit yourself to three tasks only—this keeps you focused and prevents overwhelm. Make sure these 3 tasks can actually be finished in a day. If they are too much, break one task into 3 parts and make that your list for the day.

3. Keep a 'Done List' to Track Your Wins:

Alongside your daily to-do list, create a "done list" (or just draw a very satisfying line through the item, or a big ol' check mark) to track everything you accomplish throughout the day, even if it wasn’t on the original list.

This boosts motivation by helping you see progress in real time, reminding you that even the smallest steps count.

Here’s why this works. . .

By separating the brain dump list from your daily to-do list, you free yourself from the mental load of seeing everything all at once. Focusing on just three tasks gives you clarity, while the done list reinforces progress, no matter how small. This method shifts the focus from “finishing everything” to making steady, intentional progress each day.

Try it out and let me know how it goes!

PS  If you're ready to level up, be sure you listen to this episode of my podcast about the Calendar Clean-Out Method. It can help set you up for success for the whole week (check out the Calendar Clean-Out worksheet too!).