It is easy to get anxious and stressed out over what seems like a never-ending to-do list.  I personally feel the most anxious at work when I have multiple projects handed to me at the same time with deadlines that fall near one another.  I cannot think straight when this happens.  As an attorney, I can get overwhelmed as I think about all the motions, discovery responses, calls, emails, meetings, and other assignments I seem to have to do all at the same time.  When we think and worry about multiple things at once, we ultimately get stressed out and end up being a lot less productive.  The taxes, the kids, the mortgage, the boss, the break-up, etc. all can contribute to our feelings of life spinning out of the control.

I have found that when I take a step back, breathe, and identify the top three things I need to do that day, my stress level significantly decreases.  I make sure I write on a piece of paper my “to-do” list for that day.  The point is, we cannot do everything at once. Rather than be superhuman and try to do it all, it is important to prioritize what you need to do, write it down, and tackle one project at a time.  Simplify, prioritize, and execute.  We ultimately accomplish more this way and gain confidence and momentum as we check items off the list.  Various authors on the subject recommend making sure – no matter what – that you make your bed every morning.  This mini-accomplishment will help you gain momentum into making more significant accomplishments throughout the day.  Do it every morning.

When you have several items on your plate and your life feels like it is spinning out of control, take 10 minutes to write down the top three things you will accomplish that day.  Check each item off the list as you get it done. Step back. Prioritize. Execute.