Why two tasks a day might be better than 20...

For a while, I've been getting up early before my son and husband are awake, to have time to myself and get things done (hooray!)
 
If I'm lucky, I get two or three hours (they are long sleepers!)
 
But sometimes my son wakes up early, and then I have an hour or less to do my work.

This means I have to be super clear and strict on what tasks I'm going to do.
 
Often, I only have time to do one or two.
 
So I choose my two most important tasks, and get to it.
 
I then look after my son until his bedtime, when I have time to myself again.

(I might do a few more tasks in the evening, but mainly I'll relax and enjoy the free time.)

What I've noticed... 
 
It struck me how calming this feels:
 

• To set myself two tasks a day;
  
  
• To get both of them done;
  
  
• And then to not focus on any more tasks that day.

Because this is often the reason we feel so stressed: we don't set ourselves a limit on how many tasks we do.
 
I know it sounds insane: why would we set ourselves an upper limit on the things we want to get done? We want to do all the things, right?!
 
And yet, so often, this is the problem; why we feel so stressed:
 
Our to-do list is infinite.
 
Our day is not.
 
So why not try something different this week: give yourself a maximum amount of tasks to do each day.
 
Maybe two or three. (Don't go crazy - I know you want to! ;)
 
Three important tasks, and then you're done. No more. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.
 
(I'm talking about personal tasks here; I'm not sure your boss would like you doing three tasks and then heading home :D Although I would love it if they did!)

Why am I suggesting you do this?
 

• To stop you carrying All The Tasks round in your head, all day.
  
  
• To give you a sense of completion every day, rather than that feeling of "I'm behind and need to do more, more, MORE!"
  
  
• Because life is as much about enjoying ourselves and relaxing as it is about getting things done and moving forward.

 
I'm not saying I have all the answers.
 
But the days I'm clearer on what I need to do, and then let myself rest when they're done, are the days with more joy in them.
 
Less stress.
 
And that’s what most of us want, when it comes to it.
 
So give it a try... two tasks a day, max.
 

1. Choose the two that will have the most impact.
   
   
2. Get ‘em done.
   
   
3. And then do something fun later, so you’re rested for the next day.

 
We think two tasks won’t be enough to move us forward.
 
But I bet it will (because you’re doing the most important tasks, you know?)
 
How would things change if you were only “allowed” to do two tasks a day?
 
What would change for you?
 
Love and gratitude,

Claire

❤