You are probably thinking…um…what? Getting rid of your to do list? That’s crazy! Nonsensical! How do you know what to work on?!
I know, I know. I have a toddler, a husband, a cat, a living space and myself to take care of and keep up with as well as trying to build my new business.
So how can I possible get anything done without a detailed to do list?
I do! Really.
At first, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t writing to do lists anymore. They used to be my thing, constantly needing the control of knowing what needs done. I even got to the point that I needed to map out estimated length of time something would take, what day to do it…what time of the day to do it. My Panic Disorder made me feel like I needed that power and schedule in my life to get anything done without a panic attack.
I’ll admit, I do thrive on routine. I get anxious and upset when my routine gets out of whack. Weekends are hard for me, I love when my husband is home but it’s just so different than the rest of the week it throws me off. It’s something I’m working on.
But the to do lists were even worse than needing a routine. Last week I realized I’ve been accomplishing so much for my little business and getting ready to launch without a to do list and I felt shocked but then I said, “hell yeah! I can do this!” It was empowering and thrilling.
Before I would make my lists, down to the numbers and then stare at it, filled with anxiety. Despite having things mapped out perfect, I felt overwhelmed with everything that needed accomplished and having that visual reminder just encouraged my anxiety.
Now?
Now, if I don’t remember to do it or take care of it, it wasn’t important enough anyways. If it really needs doing, I will keep reminding myself when I’m in the right frame of mind. I have a general list of “hey this stuff should get done to further my business” like blog posts to write, products to create etc but nothing solid that says, “I need to finish x number of posts before launch and this product needs to be ready in two weeks. Go go go!”
Ugh, even writing that brings forth my anxiety. It feels all wrong with how I need to work now.
Some people thrive on lists and having that visual, written reminder but I’m getting farther and farther away from needing that. And it feels damn good.
Share: Do you thrive on having a to do list? Or does creating one make you anxious? Have you ever thought of nixing the to do list in favor of your mental health?.
