Conquer Your To-Do List: Less Stress, More Action!
Today, we’re going to keep it short. Why? Because we’ve all got way too much sh** to do!
Speaking of which…
To-Do Lists. Most think they’re purely helpful. But there is a dark side…
The Zeigarnik Effect demonstrates that our brains fixate on unfinished tasks more than completed ones. These incomplete tasks create mental tension that keeps them at the forefront of our mind until they’re done, often disrupting our focus on what truly matters.
So writing things down has the potential to create massive distraction or stress.
In contrast, your brain—that incredible pink-blobby, powerhouse between your ears—has a built-in release valve: the simple act of writing things down. When you transfer a task from your mental space to physical (or digital) space, you're essentially telling your brain, "Don’t worry, kid, I’ve got this."
So writing things down is GOOD and helpful. It reduces cognitive load and increases feelings of satisfaction.
For those who keep one of these lists, bravo!
For those who don’t—mad respect for keeping that all in your melon—but think about how much space you’d free up by putting your to-dos on paper!?
Now, here's something crucial to keep in mind (ha!): Your to-do list is premium real estate–meant for tasks that require conscious effort and decision-making. So routine, automatic tasks don't belong there. Things like "check email" or “walk the dog” can, and should, be removed (unless you love that hit of dopamine for crossing them off).
One more important thing (I promise): The tasks that keep showing up on your to-do list day after day? They're usually the ones you haven't turned into habits yet, or that feel too effortful—or big—to get started. So we suggest you take this BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), and break it down into something smaller to get going.
With all of that said, I challenge you to practice the MYNDY method for “Focus” this week:
At the beginning of the week: Do a brain dump of all of your to-dos for the week. Pick your top 3 for the week.
Each day: Put everything on the list you’d like to do.
3 things: Then, choose THREE things that you want to accomplish each day. Just three. These should be meaningful tasks that move the needle, not the routine stuff that runs on autopilot.
Write them down: Put these three things on your calendar in the form of a calendar invite to block time to do them.
Pick the first of these three, (ideally the most important) non-negotiable task and put it on a post-it next to you so you are only looking at the SINGLE most important thing to do at that moment (and the The Zeigarnik Effect doesn’t sabotage your focus). When you’re done, cross it off and write down the next one!
At the end of each week: Look at what keeps appearing on your day after day. Could any of these be broken down or need some further attention? Are they actually important?
Taking control of your to-do list isn't just about getting more done; it's about reclaiming your mental peace and making space for what truly matters. A “Priority” means “something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives” so make sure you figure out what that thing is and give it the attention it deserves! By understanding how your brain works and applying these simple strategies, you can transform overwhelming task lists into achievable days and weeks. If you want to dive deeper into the science behind productivity and goal-setting, check out these resources that inspire our approach:
To understand how writing things down impacts your cognitive load, a good starting point is "The Cognitive Benefits of Writing Things Down" by Forbes.
If you're interested in strategies for breaking down big goals, look for anything on Atomic Habits by James Clear, or "FAST Goals" in publications like MIT Sloan Management Review.
If you're curious about how small actions can lead to lasting behavior change, Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg is a foundational read that explores the science of building habits through simplicity and consistency.
So go ahead, give the MYNDY method a try and experience the liberation that comes from a clearer mind and a more focused approach to your day! Remember – Mental Fitness isn't just about doing more…it's about helping you feel better when making it happen.
