Feel Overwhelmed With the To Do List?

In the last month, how many times have you looked at your "to do" list (or lists), closed your eyes and sighed deeply? The sense of overwhelm being so heavy you can feel it in your chest. We all do this. It makes sense that we feel the weight of the daily work of living. Something pops in our head that we forgot to do. Renew vehicle registration, purchase black pants for daughter's recital, reschedule son's haircut, oh and the litany of tasks for work.  We write them down in perfect little lists to keep them secure. And somehow, they grow. They multiply in our sleep. No wonder overwhelm wins! This is completely normal and yet it doesn't have to be this way.

What if you started each day with a singular intent? Yep, just one. No kidding. Give yourself a five minute pause as part of your morning routine. In those five minutes select one word that describes the thought and emotion you want to hold throughout the day. Then identify the behavior that can be seen because of the thought and emotion you named. Hold onto these words. Write them down, put them on a sticky note in your office, your car, on the fridge. Having this visible representation will make it more real and serve as a beacon when the day tries to run you over like a mom late for car pool.

Now scan your lengthy to do list. YOU control the list. It does NOT control you. What is one thing you could accomplish - with intent - in the day?. Just one. Be realistic. Don't overpromise. Pulling this altogether you will begin to see through identifying your intentions - your ideal thoughts, emotions, and behaviors - you are empowered to be selective in what you will accomplish in a given day. Do this daily to build habit. The habit builds momentum. Momentum may mean two tasks on your list are accomplished. Where could it grow from there?