It's Stress Awareness Month, sooo let's talk about it.
Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed with a long a** to-do list (hello, Q1 2024), this is a mantra that I remind myself:
Not everything is a priority.
Not everything is a priority.
Not everything is a priority.
(I have to say it more than once when the people pleaser in me creeps in lol).
Stress and overwhelm are usually signs that I need to reprioritize my tasks so I can focus on the most important ones.
One strategy that has been game-changing for me is categorizing my tasks into three major buckets:
▶︎ Could-Do
▶︎ Should-Do
▶︎ Must-Do
Could-Do: Nice to Have, But Not Urgent
Tasks in this category would be nice to tackle but won't make or break your day if left untouched. Think of them as the sprinkles on top of your productivity cupcake. This may include tasks like:
Researching future vacation destinations
Attending a networking event
Organizing and decluttering your closet
Listening to a podcast episode for inspiration
Shopping online for swimwear
While Could-Do tasks have their place, they should not take precedence over the more pressing tasks on your plate.
Should-Do: Important, But Not Urgent
These tasks are important and contribute to your overall goals but aren't time-sensitive. They require attention and should be completed in a timely manner to avoid becoming urgent. This may include tasks like:
Updating your resume
Responding to non-urgent emails
Packing for travel next week
Reviewing and updating your budget
Following up with a friend to schedule a catch-up call
Should-Do tasks deserve a spot on your radar, but they can usually wait until you've taken care of the real MVPs (Must-Dos).
Must-Do: Critical & Time Sensitive
These tasks are urgent, important, and cannot be postponed without a consequence. They have strict deadlines or are important for maintaining your responsibilities and commitments. This may include tasks like:
Meeting a deadline for a work project
Attending an important doctor's appointment
Paying rent or bills before the due date
Responding to urgent client emails
Dealing with a family emergency
Must-Do tasks take top priority and should be addressed before anything else.
Here's How To Narrow Down Your To-Do List
List Everything: Start by listing all the tasks you need to accomplish, no matter how small.
Assign Categories: Once you have your list, categorize each task as Could-Do, Should-Do, or Must-Do based on its urgency and importance.
Focus on Must-Do: Begin by tackling the Must-Do tasks first. These are the non-negotiables that require immediate attention.
Allocate Time for Should-Do: Once the Must-Do tasks are addressed, allocate time for Should-Do tasks. Schedule specific blocks of time in your calendar to work on these tasks, to make sure they don't get overlooked.
Consider Could-Do: If you have time and energy left, consider tackling Could-Do tasks. If not, carry it over for the next day or set a goal to complete it by EOW.
Whenever you are ready, here are three ways I can support you:
Have a great week!
Ariel Belgrave, CPT
Certified Health & Fitness Coach
Stress Management Specialist
Board Member, Women's Health Mag
Under Armour Athlete
P.S. I encourage you to forward this email to someone who could use this wisdom (sharing is caring!)
