Chapter 1: The Procrastination Dilemma

Have you ever found yourself being busy with tasks that don’t contribute to your goals? I certainly have. Growing up, my father often joked, “Don’t fret about today’s tasks; they can always wait for tomorrow, or even the day after.” Although lighthearted, I took this advice a bit too seriously for a significant part of my life. I often reassured myself that I performed better under pressure.

My older sister, a true master of procrastination, didn’t help. While I operated on a “due tomorrow, do today” schedule, she was often in a “do tomorrow—oh no, yesterday was the deadline!” mindset. Looking back, we were just as reckless as youth allowed.

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As deadlines loomed and procrastination began to jeopardize my future, I knew it was time for a change. Nowadays, I strive to minimize procrastination each day. Often, I know what needs to be done, but distractions abound. This is where to-do lists come into play. However, it’s also common to have a long list of tasks alongside time-wasting activities. This is when I turn to a “don’t do” list.

For example, if I plan to write early in the morning, there’s no need to add “Write 500 words before my son wakes up” to my to-do list. Instead, I jot down on a post-it note: “Don’t check social media before writing 500 words.”

Isn’t it ironic that making to-do lists can sometimes serve as a form of procrastination? Sure, they can create a sense of organization and control, but do they really? We all have essential tasks that require our attention. Anything outside of that becomes a distraction. When we claim to lack time for certain activities, it often boils down to prioritizing one thing over another.

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Throughout different phases of life, we might afford to be more relaxed, focusing on catching up with yesterday’s tasks. Yet, during busier times—like when caring for a newborn—we must adapt and prioritize tomorrow’s responsibilities. Currently, I find myself in the latter situation. How about you? Do you struggle with multitasking and procrastination, or do you treat “someday” as just another day of the week?

Chapter 2: Practical Strategies for Productivity

The first video, Clean Up Your Long “To-Do” Lists on YouTube, discusses how to effectively streamline your tasks and reduce overwhelm.

The second video, Work Smart: How to Write a To-Do List on YouTube, provides tips on crafting effective to-do lists that boost productivity and minimize procrastination.

© Adelina Vasile