I recently changed how I use to-do lists (because the list got a little too long)
Instead of having 1 list, I have:
1 list of activities that require mental energy (anything detailed)
1 list of activities that don’t require mental energy (anything I can do on autopilot)
Then I think about:
When I have my most mental or creative energy
When I have my least mental or creative energy
Then I align the two.
For example:
In the morning - I have my most mental energy. Therefore, I reserve that time to do the activities on my “high mental energy to-do list.”
Ex: writing, practicing speaking, doing anything detailed
In the evening after work - I have my least amount of mental energy. Therefore I reserve that time to do the activities on my “low mental energy to-do list.”
Ex: dishes, laundry, emails, anything on autopilot, etc.
As someone who has big goals and is balancing a lot of things, this has been a way to prioritize my goals, without leaving them the energy scraps.
On the days where the to-do list gets so long it stresses me out - I can:
Take a step back
Recognize if my energy is high or low right now
Start with just 1 thing that matches my energy in that moment
Recognize that I don’t have to do everything right now
Time management is just scheduling - energy management is scheduling smarter not harder.
I hope you don't leave yourself or your big goals the energy scraps of the day.