For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with staying organized. I never fully understood why my mind would race at 100 miles per hour, making it hard to figure out what needed to get done first. Everything felt equally urgent, and soon enough, I’d find myself overwhelmed. Sometimes, I’d get a little done, but more often than not, I’d accomplish nothing at all. Ahhh, good ol' task paralysis. (Or from what I’ve read, pretty dang close!)
Looking back, I realize I’ve dealt with this all my life, but it wasn’t until recently that I became more self-aware and started to notice patterns. Now that I’m more in tune with my ADHD, I’ve been able to figure out what works for me—and what doesn’t. I’m still learning though!
One of the biggest game-changers? To-do lists and that's what we'll be talking about today!
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HOW TO-DO LISTS CHANGED THE GAME
At my 9-5 job, I was constantly forgetting things (and, of course, remembering them wayyyyy too late). I knew something needed to change, so I started experimenting with to-do lists. At first, it was kind of a mess—I’d scribble things down here and there on sticky notes—but over time, I refined my system. Now, having a reliable to-do list helps me stay accountable and actually get things done without the stress of trying to remember everything.
Every week, I make a quick list that lays out my work hours and my days off. I then break it down into tasks that need to be tackled during the week. When a new day rolls around, I prioritize that list from "Most Important" to "Least Important." This little routine has seriously been a game-changer for my productivity.
Here’s how I prioritize:
- Most Important Tasks: These are the tasks that take the most brainpower or time. If I have to build an order or complete an inventory check, it goes straight to the top.
- Less Important Tasks: Things like mindless computer work or small tasks that aren’t time-sensitive go toward the bottom. If I don’t get to them, it’s not the end of the world. They can wait, and that's totally fine.
But it’s not just about my personal workload—I use to-do lists for my employees too. Keeping everyone on the same page has simplified everything. I can easily refer back to what’s been done, what’s still pending, and make sure we’re all moving in the same direction. And since I started using them, even the employees like it because they can also keep track of their own tasks and leave me notes if something doesn’t get done. It’s improved communication and made the workday a lot smoother for all of us.
Let me tell you, though—it wasn’t always like this. Before I started using these lists at work, I’d have moments where I’d remind myself all morning about something I needed an employee to do on their shift. I’d be so sure I’d remember once they got there... but of course, I’d forget! Then, the worst part was I’d remember what they were supposed to do after we’d already closed for the day. It sounds a little funny now, but back then, it was seriously frustrating. I’d go home kicking myself for not getting it done in time.
That’s when I realized I needed a better system, and that’s how to-do lists came into the picture. Since then, the mental load has eased so much. It’s like I finally had a handle on things, and honestly, it can be a total life-changer once you get in the habit of using them.
If you’re feeling like you’re drowning in tasks or can’t keep track of what needs to be done, give it a shot. To help you out, I’ve created a few customizable to-do lists that you can download for free. They include both daily and weekly versions so you can choose what works best for you.
Download your Free "Organize Your Chaos" Bundle below!
FLEXIBILITY AND SELF-COMPASSION
One thing I’ve come to understand is this: You’ve got to be flexible with yourself. There will be days when you don’t cross everything off your list, and that’s okay. Life happens. We’re human, and there are only so many hours in the day. If things don’t go according to plan, try not to beat yourself up. If life always followed a perfect schedule, we’d all be doing a lot better, right?
I get it—it’s easy to be so hard on yourself when things go off track. I’ve been there, and it can feel like you’re failing when you fall behind. But here’s something that’s been a game-changer for me: learning to be present in the moment and recognize when those feelings are taking over. It takes practice, but once you start noticing how things make you feel, you can begin to gently shift your reactions. And trust me, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. We’ll dive deeper into this in a future post, but just know it’s okay to have off days.
When things start to go sideways—like when a surprise order comes in at work and your whole to-do list suddenly feels like it’s been thrown out the window—it’s important to go with the flow. That order? It’s now the top priority. Everything else? It can wait. Your list isn’t set in stone; it’s a guide, and sometimes priorities need to shift. Learning to adapt without feeling like you’ve failed is key.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, you’re definitely not alone. There have been so many times I’ve felt buried under my responsibilities. One of the most helpful things I’ve done is talk to my boss when things get too heavy. It’s not easy, but it can make a huge difference. Even if no one else in your workplace is using to-do lists, having your own plan can give you a sense of control and help reduce stress. You’ve got this!
Being kind to yourself—self-compassion—has been another big learning curve for me. I’ve struggled with being a perfectionist, always feeling like I should have done more. But over time, I’ve come to realize that’s just not realistic. Not everything will get done, and that’s okay. Life will throw curveballs, and part of our growth is learning to adjust when things don’t go as planned. If some tasks don’t get crossed off today, they’ll be there tomorrow, and that’s fine. What matters most is how you approach your day, not how perfectly you stick to a plan.
Remember: you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. I’ve created both daily and weekly versions of my to-do lists to help you stay on track, no matter what life throws at you.
NATURE: MY RESET BUTTON
When life gets chaotic, my go-to remedy is to reconnect with nature. After my divorce, I found a silver lining in discovering someone who shares my love for the outdoors. Lucky me, I live just a short drive from Lamoille Canyon in Nevada, a little slice of paradise that serves as my sanctuary for peace and quiet. Whether I’m hiking, sitting by the water, or simply soaking in the fresh air, nature always helps me hit the reset button and clear my head.
Sometimes, I bring along a notebook and let my thoughts flow onto the pages. It could be blog ideas, random musings, or even snippets of stories waiting to be written. There’s something magical about sitting in a quiet spot, reflecting on life—just a small notebook and a pen can work wonders for mental clarity. If you’ve never tried it, I wholeheartedly encourage you to find your own little haven in nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Trust me, it can be transformative!
Another way I reset is by riding on the back of a motorcycle. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the open road beneath me, the wind whipping past, and the rumble of the engine drowning out all my worries. It’s pure bliss. I often find myself deep in thought while riding—dreaming of the day I’ll own my own bike. For now, I’m perfectly content riding with my boyfriend and his best friend. It’s one of the most liberating experiences I’ve discovered. When they dive into conversations about bikes and life, everything else just poof disappears. It’s hard to explain, but it feels like a breath of fresh air for my soul.
START SMALL, STAY CONSISTENT
You don’t have to implement everything all at once. Starting small is the way to go—maybe with a simple to-do list or focusing on one key task at a time. See how it feels and adjust as needed. The key is to stay consistent and flexible, giving yourself the grace to make mistakes along the way.
What strategies work best for you? I’m always eager to learn new ways to stay organized, so if you have a method that’s been helpful, drop it in the comments below! And if you give my to-do lists a try, I’d love to hear how they work for you!
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