To-do lists can feel overwhelming, and sometimes that feeling alone is enough to trigger stress and anxiety before you’ve even started. The mental weight of an endless list releases cortisol, making it even harder to find the headspace you need—and so the cycle continues. There’s no magic fix, but there is a way to reframe your approach. A to-do list revamp that will help you gain perspective and, honestly, probably cut it in half!
The key is not to do more—it’s to do less, but better. That’s where the 3-List Method comes in. By splitting your to-do list into three categories—Prioritise, Delete, Delegate—you’ll clear the clutter, stay focused, and finally start making real progress.
Step 1: Prioritise – What Actually Needs to Get Done?
Your time is precious, and not everything on your list deserves a spot. The first step is identifying the high-impact tasks—the ones that truly move the needle for your career, family, and well-being.
Ask yourself:
What tasks will create the most meaningful results?
What absolutely has to get done today?
Which tasks align with my bigger goals?
These are your non-negotiables. Limit this list to 3-5 key tasks per day, so you can focus on quality over quantity. Completing them will give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
Step 2: Delete – What Doesn’t Matter?
Not everything you write down needs to be actioned. Some tasks sneak onto our lists out of habit, guilt, or pressure from others—but they don’t actually serve us.
Ask yourself:
Is this task truly necessary?
Will something terrible happen if I don’t do it?
Am I only doing this out of obligation or habit?
If a task isn’t essential or meaningful, cross it out. Deleting unnecessary tasks creates space for what truly matters (and reduces that overwhelming mental load!).
Step 3: Delegate – What Can Be Automated, Delegated, or Simplified?
Some tasks do need to get done, but that doesn’t mean you have to do them yourself. This step is all about working smarter, not harder.
Consider:
Can I automate this? (e.g., setting up direct debits, meal planning apps, auto-replies)
Can I delegate this? (e.g., asking your partner to handle school lunches, outsourcing admin work)
Can I simplify this? (e.g., batching errands, setting boundaries on meetings)
By removing yourself from every single task, you free up time and energy for the things that truly matter—your career goals, your self-care, and those special moments with your family.
The Power of the 3-List Method
This method is a game-changer because it forces you to get intentional about where your time and energy go. Instead of running on autopilot and reacting to an overwhelming list, you take control by choosing what gets your attention and what doesn’t.
Try it today—grab your current to-do list and sort it into these three categories. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter, clearer, and more productive you feel!
And remember, you don’t have to do it all to have it all. You just have to do the right things.
Sx