When we are busy juggling all the things whether it be work, family and personal responsibilities, a to-do list can seem like a lifeline.  However sometimes it also comes with a side dish of stress, overwhelm and a garish of guilt and thats not helping ANYONE!

Here are five reasons why your to-do list might not be working for you:

1. It’s Overwhelmingly Long

Guilty! Seriously really high on my list this year is to STOP trying to cram so  much into a day! A never-ending list of tasks can feel daunting and paralyse your productivity. When every day starts with a lengthy list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated before you even begin.

INSTEAD Prioritise your tasks. Identify the top three to five things that absolutely need to get done each day. Focus on these high-priority items, and tackle the rest if you have extra time.

2. It Lacks Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, especially with kids around. A rigid to-do list doesn’t account for unexpected events, interruptions, or changes in priorities.

INSTEAD Build flexibility into your list. Leave buffer times between tasks and be prepared to adjust your priorities as needed. Recognise that some days won’t go as planned, and that’s okay.

Everyone needs some margin in their lives (I have found I am a MUCH nicer person by giving myself some.)

3. It’s Too Detailed

Listing every single task, no matter how small, can clutter your to-do list and make it harder to identify what’s truly important.

INSTEAD Group similar tasks together or create categories like “work,” “home,” and “personal.” This helps simplify your list and keeps you focused on broader goals rather than getting lost in minutiae.

4. It Doesn’t Reflect Your Values

A to-do list that focuses solely on chores and errands can make you feel like you’re constantly on a hamster wheel, without time for what truly matters to you and your family. Often the things we NEED the most are first to go. I often put spend time with God, go for a walk, or journal on my to do list and treat them with the same importance not optionals!

INSTEAD Incorporate activities that reflect your values and bring joy into your to-do list. Include time for prayer, family bonding, self-care, and hobbies. This helps ensure your day feels balanced and fulfilling.

5. It’s Not Realistic

Sometimes we set ourselves up for failure by creating to-do lists that are impossible to complete in a single day. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

INSTEAD Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. Break larger tasks into manageable steps and spread them out over several days. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your progress.

If your to-do list is driving you nuts, it’s time to rethink how you’re using it. I will always be a fan of a good to do list but only when it ids working FOR you and not AGAINST you.

 Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most.