TO DO OR NOT TO DO? THAT IS 'A' QUESTION.
While To-Do Lists can undeniably be valuable for productivity, they often prioritise action over introspection. A short read on how to incorporate your To-Do's with To-Be's.
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Photo by Matt Bero on Unsplash
To do or not to do, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The tasks and deadlines of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of duties
And, by opposing, end them.
I love a To-Do list ❤️
Initially.
But as it lengthens, expands, warps and multiples into sub lists, addendums & additions, notes & footnotes, musings & ‘un-amusings’, my love distorts to a tightness in my heart. What began as a list of daily tasks becomes an existential crisis report.
How the f**k did I end up with all this To Do?!
Where To-Do I start?!!
Why start if there is so much ‘To-Doing’?!!!
Who the f**k am I?!!!!
Oh look there’s a cloud! ⛅️
Let’s just watch that shuffle about for today instead…
Bedtime.
Oh sh*t, you didn’t end up doing ANYTHING today! Sweet nightmares.
Familiar?
To do, to sleep—
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of tasks, what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this daily grind,
Must give us pause—there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long a to-do list.
To-Do Lists: The Traditional Approach
Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels
To-Do lists are the classic, go-to tool for managing tasks and responsibilities. They provide a structured way to outline your daily, weekly, monthly, and even, ‘lifely’ tasks and goals, making it easier to prioritise and stay organised.
However.
One of the paradoxes of To-Do lists is that, while intended to increase productivity, they can sometimes contribute to overwhelming stress. As we pile up tasks, the sheer length of the list can become a source of anxiety rather than motivation. The constant pressure to check off items can make us feel perpetually behind.
We might overlook emerging opportunities.
We may focus on quantity rather than quality.
We may succumb to rigidity at the expense of spontaneity & creativity.
In fact, creativity thrives in an environment of spontaneity and freedom. The best ideas often come when we allow ourselves the space to explore and experiment, rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined set of tasks.
And
While To-Do lists can undeniably be valuable for productivity, they often prioritise action over introspection.
And
Introspection is very important as it allows us to write poems about wandering clouds.
And
Sonnets about our being here to write poems about said clouds.
Introspection enables us to recognise what we are feeling and thinking, potentially giving us greater clarity as to what we are supposed/meant/need/have to-do.
So maybe we first need a ‘To-Be’ list?
Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after to-do,
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn
No traveler returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of?
To-Be Lists: Cultivating Your Essence
Image by Michaela, at home in Germany from Pixabay
"Who Do I Want To Be Today?"
A To-Be list rather than A To-Do list, shifts the focus from external tasks to internal qualities and values. Instead of merely listing tasks, To-Be Lists encourage you to consider the qualities or values you want to embody in a given day or period. This approach can invite mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with your inner ‘Toby’ (To-Be) 🫤.
“I am a human being, not a human doing.” - Kurt Vonnegut
That’s not to say we should go full Kurt Vonnegut and completely ignore To-Do Lists.
Instead, we may balance and enjoy the benefit of both worlds.
Photo by Jonny Lew
Creating a A ‘To-Do’ and ‘To-Be’ list
Prioritise Values: Start your day by reflecting on the values that are important to you. Whether it's kindness, resilience, creativity, or mindfulness, identifying these values can guide your actions throughout the day.
Set Intention: Rather than rushing into tasks, take a moment to set an intention for your day. How do you want to approach challenges, interact with others, or respond to stress? Setting an intention can help you stay aligned with your values.
Combine To-Do and To-Be: While To-Be Lists emphasise qualities and values, they can complement To-Do Lists. When planning tasks, consider how you can infuse your actions with your chosen values. For example, if "gratitude" is on your To-Be List, you can express gratitude to a colleague during a work-related task.
“Thanks Boss, I really love doing spreadsheets so friggin much!” (Said no-one, EVER).
Reflect and Adjust: At the end of the day or week, take time to reflect on your achievements and whether you lived up to your chosen values. Adjust your approach as needed, and use this reflection as a tool for your evolution. Are your to-doings matching with your to-beings? Do you need to change your approach to tasks or the tasks themselves?
In short there is benefit in finding harmony in being and doing, here, bullet pointed, shortly:
Benefits of To-Be Lists:
Greater mindfulness and self-awareness.
Improved well-being and a sense of purpose.
Enhanced emotional intelligence and better relationships.
Increased adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
A holistic approach to life that goes beyond productivity.
Benefits of To-Do Lists:
Enhanced task management and productivity.
Reduced stress through task organisation.
Clear goals and a sense of accomplishment.
Better time management and prioritisation.
Photo by Ann H from Pexels
Incorporating To-Be lists into your daily routine can add depth, meaning and focus to your life.
While To-Do lists help you achieve external goals, To-Be lists focus on cultivating your inner qualities and values. Striking a balance between the two approaches can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence, unlike that stupid wandering cloud.
Ok. I didn’t really mean that. Clouds aren’t stupid.
Oh look, there’s another one…
Goodbye 👋 writing task.
Dan ❤️
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