Section 1.1: The Power of Journaling

Each morning, I dedicate time to journaling, concluding with a detailed to-do list. By consistently capturing my tasks, I alleviate the anxiety of forgetting critical responsibilities. Throughout the day, I revisit this list, allowing me to mark off completed tasks and focus on high-priority items rather than merely those I'd prefer to tackle.

Subsection 1.1.1: Brainstorming Tasks

Upon returning from vacation, I faced a daunting week filled with unfinished tasks. To combat the resulting stress, I began by brainstorming all the activities I needed to address, filling nearly an entire A4 page.

Section 1.2: Prioritizing Responsibilities

Following my brainstorming session, I prioritized my tasks based on urgency and potential impact if left undone. By annotating deadlines next to each task, I ensure that paid work takes precedence over volunteer commitments.

Section 2.1: Filtering Tasks for Focus

Each day, I categorize my to-do list into three distinct sections:

• To-Do Today — Max of 3 tasks
• Nice-To-Do Today — Max of 3 tasks
• Fudging Awesome To-Do Today — Unlimited tasks

The latter category accommodates all overflow tasks that I may not have completed, organizing them by date for future consideration. Additionally, I maintain a list for tasks that require ongoing oversight, ensuring that important responsibilities do not slip through the cracks.

Section 2.2: Setting Realistic Expectations

Limiting myself to three tasks each day helps me maintain focus and stay realistic about my capabilities. This approach minimizes the feeling of being overwhelmed, allowing me to end the day with a sense of accomplishment as I cross off completed tasks.

The second video, "5 Best Time Management Apps," offers practical recommendations for tools that can streamline your time management process.

Section 2.3: Time Blocking for Efficient Scheduling

Time blocking involves scheduling specific periods for each task, including breaks. After establishing my prioritized list, I allocate time slots in my calendar. If I lack a substantial block of time, I utilize the Pomodoro technique.

Section 2.4: Interstitial Journaling for Reflection

Throughout the day, I practice Interstitial Journaling to track my progress and identify behavioral patterns. Before starting a task, I record it in my journal, and upon completion, I reflect on what went well or if any distractions arose.

Section 2.5: Tackling Procrastination

If a task lingers on my to-do list, I deem it a "frog." I analyze the reasons for my procrastination and strategize ways to approach it. When necessary, I take immediate action to complete the task, often finding that starting is the hardest part.

Section 2.6: Establishing Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is crucial to effective time management. By occasionally saying no to additional responsibilities, I can keep my daily tasks manageable and prevent overwhelm.