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Many of us live and die by our to-do lists. Each day, we meticulously list everything that needs to get done and set out on the oft impossible quest to check off every item. Even if it isn’t written on paper or aptly typed in our Notes app, many of us wake up with a running to-do list on our mind.
(Btw, if your to-dos are floating around in your mind, it’s best to transfer this information to an external drive to even have a chance at completing them, according to experts.)
Unfortunately, many of us end the day with unfinished items on our list, especially considering 41% of to-do items are never completed. And if we measure the quality of our day solely based on our level of productivity, then we’re likely ending our day feeling unaccomplished and ineffective. Over time, this cycle can lead to anxiety and feelings of unworthiness.
Don’t be mistaken: This isn’t an anti-productivity post. Productivity is necessary and yields tremendous benefits. The issue arises, however, when we place our value in being productive, and checking items off our to-do list becomes our only indication of a day well-spent.
To counter this, I’d like to propose a different approach. One that deviates from the cultural norm that we must prioritize productivity over everything else. A method that dissociates our value and worthiness from the number of things we can accomplish in a day. One that prioritizes other values like health, rest, play, creativity, and community.
Setting daily intentions.
This exercise doesn’t have to replace your to-do list. Rather, it’s a mechanism that’s designed to inform your to-do list, to guide the choices you make throughout the day, and to steer you down a path that ultimately leads to more joy and fulfillment.
Setting daily intentions starts with checking in with yourself first thing in the morning. It’s an opportunity to take a “temperature check” and assess what you need out of the day. These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to start brainstorming your intentions:
How do I want to show up in my work?
Who do I need to become in order to achieve my goals?
How can I honor my mind, body, and soul?
How can I nurture close relationships and build new ones?
What habits or behaviors are no longer serving me?
Self-awareness is key for this to work, and it’s important to be in tune with your feelings.
Here’s a simple template you can use for setting your intention:
Today, I tend to [blank].
If you need a little inspiration, I’ve added a few ideas below. Just keep in mind that your intention must align with your unique needs and values.
Today, I intend to:
- Be present in the moment
- Lean into the power of my creativity
- Advocate for myself in the face of adversity
- Prioritize rest and ease vs. hustle
- Remain flexible and adaptable to change
- Embrace vulnerability and authenticity
And guess what? Sometimes life calls for us to be productive. If that’s your goal for the day (or week or month), your intention may sound like, “Today, I intend to stay focused and minimize distractions.” This simple intention can help guide the actions you take to actually check off the items on your to-do list. Maybe you’ll choose to put your phone on DND during crucial work hours or put a time limit on your social media consumption.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the choices you make day-in and day-out align with your intentions. As a result, you’ll discover your value outside of your ability to get things done and make space for the things you deem most important in life.