If you’re anything like me, you probably have a never-ending to-do list. I carry a notepad with me everywhere just in case I forget something. Between being in graduate school, planning a wedding and managing the everyday chaos of life, writing things down is essential for my sanity. My lists help me not only keep track of what needs to get done but also prioritize what needs to get done first.
Breaking it Down
That said, even organizing my to-do list can start to feel overwhelming. What’s helped me tremendously is breaking things down into categories: one list for school, one for wedding tasks and another for general life responsibilities. Then, within each list, I write out everything I can think of that needs attention for the week. Once I’ve brain-dumped it all, I either number them by priority or assign tasks to specific days.
One strategy I’ve recently adopted is the idea of “eating the frog.” It’s a quirky way of saying: tackle your most difficult or dreaded task first. It may not be the most fun item on your list, but knocking it out early gives a huge sense of relief and makes everything else feel more manageable. It’s surprising how much lighter the rest of the day feels when you’re not mentally dragging around the thing you’re avoiding.
I’ve experimented with different ways to organize my time apps, digital planners, sticky notes everywhere but this simple system of segmented lists combined with “eating the frog” has been the most successful so far. I’m a visual person, so seeing a long list of tasks is both motivating and intimidating. But there’s something so satisfying about checking things off. It gives me a small sense of accomplishment, which goes a long way in this busy season of life.
Give Yourself Permission to Pivot
As a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) student, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of balance, intention and flow both in the body and in life. Just like qi, our energy and time need to be directed with purpose. If your current routine isn’t serving you, give yourself permission to shift. Try a new approach, experiment with new tools and above all, stay kind to yourself through it all.
Small steps, consistent effort, and mindful organization are what keep me centered, focused, and moving forward on this path. Your to-do list doesn’t have to rule your life; instead, let it support your growth.
Follow Carly’s journey through NUHS’ Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine program.
