How to Create a To-Do List That Actually Gets Done (Without Overwhelm)
Raise your hand if you’ve written a to-do list that made you more anxious than productive…
🙋♀️
The truth is:
Most people don’t have a problem with making lists.
They have a problem making the right kind of list.
I coach a lot of overwhelmed goal-setters who are working hard, juggling a lot, and still feeling like nothing’s getting done. And it almost always comes down to one thing:
👉 The way they’re building their daily to-do list.
Let me show you how to shift from chaos to clarity—with a method that actually works in real life.
Step 1: Start with ONE Focus
Most lists start with “everything I can think of.” But the best lists start with one thing that matters most.
Ask yourself: “What’s the one thing I really need to move forward today?”
This becomes your anchor task. It’s the win that’ll make everything else feel easier or lighter. We call this your “non-negotiable.”
Step 2: Pick 3 Priorities (Max!)
Once your anchor task is set, pick up to 2 more things you’d love to get done today. That’s it. Three total. Not twelve. Not a notebook full. I know your brain is going to try and make a list of 17 things.
That’s okay. Let it.
Then choose just 3–5 items for today and write those on a separate sticky, index card, or part of your planner.
✨ Why this works: It forces you to prioritize instead of trying to do everything. And when you actually finish your list, it builds confidence and momentum.
Step 3: Break It Down
Instead of writing “Work on business” or “Clean the house”… Break it into action-based steps like:
“Reply to 3 client emails”
“Put away laundry + run dishwasher”
Small steps = clearer brain + faster wins. The goal isn’t to look busy—it’s to create momentum.
Step 4: Time Block Realistically
Take a look at your actual day. When are you truly free? Slot your 3 tasks into real time blocks. Even if it’s only 20 minutes between school drop-off and the next call—use it intentionally.
Step 5: Leave Space for Real Life
Always assume something will come up. So instead of cramming your list, leave buffer space. That way, you don’t feel behind when life life’s. Leave space for interruptions, emotions, sick kids, surprise meetings—real life.
You can even play with giving yourself a buffer task like:
“Catch-up time” or “15-minute tidy” or “Rest & regroup.”
The list should include flexibility—because consistency doesn’t mean rigidity.
Bonus Tip: Use a Visual Format That Feels Fun
Whether it’s sticky notes, a Notion board, or a cute printable—you’re more likely to use a to-do list that feels inviting.
💛 You Don’t Need a New Planner—You Need a New Approach
If your lists feel endless and your follow-through feels scattered, you’re not failing.
You just need a system that fits your season—and maybe some gentle accountability to keep you going.
Inside my 1:1 coaching I help clients create custom weekly and daily planning systems that actually work with their lives—not against them.
If you’ve been drowning in lists but never finishing anything, I promise—it’s not you. It’s the system.
✨ Ready for structure that helps you show up consistently (not perfectly)? Click here to learn more about how I can support you with a clear plan to help you stop spinning your wheels and actually feel proud of how you’re showing up again.
