Make a minimum list 

Do you never get to the end of your to-do list? There’s actually a way for you to do that every day.

The first edition of Done! for 2025 is about a shorter kind of list.

Make a minimum list 

The to-do list never ends. You know that and you gave up the fight to reach the absolute bottom a long time ago. But, wouldn't it be nice to finish today's list before the day ends? If only there weren't so many new things popping up all the time and so many meetings! 

A shorter list 

Sound familiar? I believe you could benefit from a minimum list. It's the short list of things you absolutely need to get done during the day. It's not the list of everything you wish you could get done.

Nor is it the list of things that would be nice to have finished by now. And certainly not the list of things you should be able to finish if nothing unexpected happens. 

Not really a list 

I call it a separate list, but since I think you should have all your to-do tasks in one list, I mean that you should mark the minimum tasks in your actual to-do list, so you can choose only to see them.

In some list tools, you can view only starred tasks; in others, only those with a specific label. By all means, you can write the short list on a piece of paper, but throw it away at the end of the day. Don't let it sit there, withered, until tomorrow. 

Do this

1. Try making a minimum list for your next work day.
   
   Some people make the minimum list in the morning. Others recommend doing it in the afternoon or evening before to sleep well. Do what you think works best for you, or try both versions. 
    
2. At the end of the day, quickly reflect on whether this was something for you.
    
3. Did you like it? If so, repeat it. If not, continue as usual. Soon, you will find a new trick to try. 

Easier to be satisfied with the day 

If you make a minimum list, what you absolutely have to accomplish becomes more apparent. You sharpen your focus, making it easier for you to decline if offered something completely different than what's on the list (if there's anything unfinished there).

Of course, new tasks with the highest priority may come up, but it's easier for you to make room for them when the list of absolute must-dos is shorter than your usual daily list. 

If you have a minimum list, you can feel more satisfied at the end of the day, even if unexpected things have come up (which they always do). 

What do you do? 

What difference has your "minimum list" (or whatever you call it) made for you? Please write to me at david@stiernholm.com and tell me. I'm curious! 

Tell them about this weekly newsletter if you have colleagues, friends, and acquaintances who could also benefit from getting structure tips. You make me happy - and your friends will be too. 

Thank you for today, and I'll talk to you again next week.