The stress based list

The conventional approach to organizing to-do lists is to do so by chronology.

I’d suggest trying a different way. Ask the question – “which item’s completion will remove the most stress?” – and reorganize the list.

My experience so far is that it seems to work much better. We seem to have a natural internal prioritization system that understands what needs to get done. When we ignore it, however, it sends us signals by increasing our internal stress levels. That’s the feeling when we know something needs to get done and also know we aren’t doing it. The build-up of this stress leads often to frustration and paralysis.

I guess it points to an important productivity principle – we are most productive when we are at peace. And, to be at peace, we have to learn to ask ourselves the right questions and listen…