5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your To-Do List

It’s that time of year again! Most of us are getting ready to shake off the layers and  look forward to the sunny days ahead. Springtime brings a sense of renewal, and with it, an opportunity to take inventory of where we are so far in the year. As quickly as the sense of enthusiasm arrives, however, it can be short-lived when we stop and think of how much there is to do.

It’s true of any season, really – so much to do, so little time. When you combine the must do’s with the need to’s and the have to’s, well, it can add up to A LOT of to do’s. And this is when a feeling of overwhelm can set in, stalling action. Before you know it, the next season is here.

This spring, I challenge you to change the cycle of self-defeat and create a different outcome. You’ll increase your confidence to take control of your to-do list and your life!

1. Take stock – Ask yourself, does your to-do list support your larger vision of success? Review your vision and give yourself credit for what you’ve achieved or are on course to achieve (personally and  professionally).  Then own where you got off course or perhaps are stalled. By doing so, you’ll reinforce what you are capable of and have a chance to release any guilt or regrets for things you might be avoiding. When you take stock, you’ll raise your self-awareness and self-appreciation, which puts you in a place of power and proactive choices!

2. Take it out of your head – Next, determine the highest value activities to work on. I suggest putting your actions and priorities down in writing as this allows you to clear your head of the energy draining chatter outlining all the things you’re trying not to forget. Once things are written down, you can easily evaluate your list and see what you really want and need to do.  Goals committed to paper help you determine what’s realistic and what is not. Plus, this will help you to not spend time getting caught up on the wrong things!

3. Pace yourself –Your journey to success takes time and is comprised of many goals and to-do’s. So it makes sense to allow time to get them all done. Avoid the “all or nothing” scenario, which increases anxiety, results in procrastination and lowers your self-confidence. Map out a plan with clear measurements of success. Set completion deadlines, reserve time in your schedule to work on each project and give yourself permission to break it up into smaller steps. Set yourself up for success by determining in advance any obstacles you may face. Then incorporate into your plan how you will resolve these. This will eliminate the “should of, would of, could of’s” that happen all too often when we don’t plan ahead. Lastly, review your plan often – a plan works only if you use it!

4. De-junk your environment – Your environment will influence your ability to confidently go after your goals. When full of time-wasters or energy drainers that set a negative stage to your experience, stress levels increase and confidence is lowered. Each one of those piles of incomplete projects will pull at you – pick me! Even if you are not focused on them now, your energy will be distracted and you won’t feel a sense of accomplishment. Nor will you feel confident to take on your next goals. Start by “dumping” anything you haven’t touched in 6 months or more. Then ask yourself of those things that remain, will this (action/item) support my vision or not – yes, or no. No, dump it! Yes, organize it into your plan.

5. Schedule ME time – Ever notice how when you take a break, step away and refresh yourself things look and feel better? When tackling your to-do list, set limits to your work periods and schedule regular self-care breaks. Reward yourself with music or a walk outdoors. Incorporate into your self-care time for building and maintaining relationships, particularly ones that fuel your positive outlook. Break up your day and your week with plenty of ME time. Remember life is NOT a race – creating a balanced lifestyle will help you enjoy the journey to success!

I challenge you to try one, two or all of these tips and just see the difference it makes!

Happy Spring Cleaning!

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