Overwhelmed by Your To-Do List? Here’s How to Take Control

Does your to-do list feel more like a guilt trip than a roadmap?

You’re juggling endless meetings, emails, and the invisible pressure to do it all. But somewhere along the way, the things that truly matter—your relationships, your passions, your peace—have taken a back seat. You’re not just overworked; you’re overwhelmed. It’s like life has turned into one giant hamster wheel of “content to process”—tasks, projects, emails, and messages that never seem to end.

And the kicker? You’re so busy managing the noise that you’ve forgotten how to live.

This constant cycle doesn’t just drain your energy—it chips away at your sense of self.

It’s not just the mountain of unfinished tasks piling up; it’s the nagging feeling that you’re failing, no matter how much you achieve. You wonder, Why can’t I just get it together? But here’s the truth: It’s not about working harder, faster, or longer. It’s about what you let go of.

Mental clutter—those swirling thoughts of “I should be doing more” and “What if I drop the ball?”—is the true thief of your time and energy. It’s the reason why even your downtime doesn’t feel restful. You’re stuck in a loop of doing, and it’s robbing you of your ability to just be.

But here’s the good news: Clearing that mental clutter isn’t just possible—it’s the key to reclaiming your life.

Let’s Cut the Shit.

The first step to getting unstuck is recognizing that processing content—be it physical tasks, mental loops, or emotional baggage—is a choice. You have the power to pause, sift through the noise, and make space for what truly matters. Here’s how:

1. Get Clear on Your Priorities

Ask yourself: What’s actually important?

Not everything that feels urgent deserves your attention. Becc often encourages her clients to identify their “big rocks”—the three or four things in their life that truly matter. These could be family, health, career goals, or even moments of joy and rest.

Once you know your big rocks, start filtering your tasks through this lens. If something doesn’t align with your priorities, it’s time to say no—or delegate it.

Pro Tip: Block out time for your big rocks first, whether it’s a daily walk, dinner with your family, or time to journal. Everything else can fit around them.

2. Declutter Your Mind with Micro-Decisions

Mental clutter often comes from the hundreds of tiny decisions you’re forced to make every day. Instead of letting these pile up, practice micro-decisions. This means deciding in the moment what to do with something—whether it’s an email, an idea, or a task—rather than mentally shelving it for later.

For example:

  • Respond to emails in one sitting instead of letting them linger in your inbox.
  • Create a “decision day” once a week to address anything pending, from scheduling appointments to following up on projects.
  • Use Becc’s mantra: “Decide and do.” The quicker you handle small tasks, the less mental space they take up.

3. Batch, Automate, and Eliminate

Time management is essential, but it’s not about squeezing more into your day—it’s about simplifying your workload.

  • Batching: Group similar tasks together. Write all your emails, create content, or make calls in one focused session.
  • Automating: Use tools to streamline repetitive tasks, like scheduling software or email templates.
  • Eliminating: Let go of anything that doesn’t serve your big rocks. That weekly meeting you dread? See if you can opt out or reduce its frequency.

By simplifying how you work, you’ll create space for clarity and creativity.

4. Make Room for White Space

In Cut the Shit, Becc emphasizes the importance of creating white space—not just in your calendar, but in your mind.

White space is time that’s intentionally left open. It’s not for productivity, chores, or even scrolling on your phone. It’s for you.

Whether you spend it meditating, reading, or simply sitting with your thoughts, white space allows you to reconnect with yourself and rediscover what balance feels like.

Try This: Schedule 15 minutes of white space every day. Protect it like it’s the most important meeting of your week—because it is.

5. Embrace Progress, Not Perfection

Here’s the truth: You’re never going to cross everything off your to-do list. And that’s okay.

Perfectionism is a sneaky form of procrastination, keeping you stuck in the endless cycle of overthinking and overworking. Instead, aim for progress. Celebrate small wins—completing one meaningful task or taking a single step toward a goal.

Becc reminds her clients, “Done is better than perfect.” Let this mantra guide you as you clear the mental clutter and embrace a more balanced, intentional life.

Reclaim Your Wholeness

The world will always demand more from you—more time, more energy, more output. But you don’t have to say yes to everything. By cutting the mental clutter and focusing on what truly matters, you can reclaim your time, your peace, and your sense of self.

So let’s Cut the Shit, one decision at a time.

Your life is waiting.

Ready to take the next step?

Download my guide, Tranquil Rhythms: Finding Peace Among the Chaos.   This free resource provides actionable tips and exercises to help you more calm into your daily life-no matter how busy you are.

Want to dive deeper?

Grab a copy of my award willing book, Cut the Shit, and discover how to reclaim your focus, reduce stress and embrace the joy of living in the present moment.

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