Working with tasks

Small habits that keep the task list short and easy to act on.

Write the next action

“Call the pharmacy about the refill” can be done; “meds” has to be worked out first. If you can’t picture yourself doing it, break it down.

Date only what has a date

Due dates are for things that really happen on a day. Everything else goes under Anytime, out of Today’s list.

Keep Today honest

At the end of the day, move what you won’t do to tomorrow or later instead of leaving it to pile up. Moving a task is planning, not failing.

Stash what’s too heavy right now

If a task makes you anxious or angry, stash it for a few days. It comes back when you’ve had time.

Use the timer to start

For a task you keep avoiding, start a short focus session on it. Ten minutes is enough to get going.