Have you ever felt trapped by your to-do list? Like it was running your life instead of the other way around?
You aren’t alone.
This is a common theme among those I am fortunate enough to work with:
“How am I supposed to relax when I have so much TO DO?”
I feel your pain. I’ve been in that place where your list can feel like a prison sentence. When every new item you add is another step away from that elusive state of blissful relaxation and peace of mind that can only found at the end of your to-do list.
But is this really true? I don’t think so.
Here’s what I believe: Finding that state of balance and peace of mind isn’t going to happen when your to-do list is finished or when you ‘catch up’.
It isn’t going to happen when you reach a certain threshold of efficiency either.
It is only going to happen when you are willing to give yourself permission to enjoy life first. Before your list is done.
Here’s why:
When you stop waiting to enjoy life and instead fully experience what life has to offer moment-to-moment your to-do list comes into perspective and you start to get clear about how you actually want to be spending your time.
There is less pressure and urgency and energy drain around your list because it is no longer holding you back from what you want to experience.
And once you’ve given yourself permission to step out from behind your list and live life all the way – you gain even more clarity about your big picture priorities.
Once you are clear about what you want, your to-do list has the chance of becoming a love-to-do list and puts an end to the cycle of doing for doing’s sake.
So what do YOU want? How do you break free from to-do list jail?
Please post your comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
