Stuck in a To-Do List Rut

It's hard to get started on anything when there is so much you need to get done. I know that my solution to this problem, unfortunately, most of the time, is to avoid doing anything at all. In turn, I find myself stuck in a rut. I end up feeling depressed and anxious. Meanwhile, my to-do list grows. It's a vicious cycle. I decided to try and work out a solution to this problem to help others struggling with this same issue.

STEP ONE: CHANGE THE TONE OF YOUR THINKING
It's easy to throw your hands up in the air and yell, " I QUIT," when you look at your to-do list and have no confidence in your ability to complete the tasks you have listed. If you spend some time reading over what you have to do and reminding yourself of your capabilities, it may ease some of your anxieties. Even if there are some overwhelming things you need to complete, reiterating belief in yourself is the first step to getting things done.

STEP TWO: ONE THING AT A TIME
It doesn't matter what you chose to do as long as you choose something off your list to get you started. Remove any distractions and begin. If you are still struggling to begin, it may help to switch items and try to complete something a little less strenuous first.

STEP THREE: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
There is always a reason people decide to procrastinate. Determine why you are struggling to begin or complete something. You can come up with a solution much easier when you figure out what is causing you to procrastinate. For example, someone may put off exercising because they feel it is boring. A solution to help deter procrastination would be making exercising more fun by doing it with a friend so that you are more motivated to get started and have someone to hold you accountable.

STEP FOUR: STAY POSITIVE
Whatever it is your doing, you have got to try your best to stay positive. I know this seems impossible at times, but there is always a silver lining. I am personally working on finding that silver lining more often. It's so easy to find the negative, and it does nothing for you. Do your best to focus on the positives. It is what will keep you going.

I think everyone who has been in the vicious cycle I talked about earlier wants to get out. Hopefully, this can help others who feel this way try to tackle their to-do list with confidence. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. The little things you do and the choices you make each day become the big things tomorrow. They become who you are.

​If you’ve been through something similar please let me know what you do when you feel like you’re in a rut.