The Endless To-Do ListLately, I’ve been in what I like to call “solving mode” — constantly tweaking my schedule, trying new systems, and chasing that elusive balance. It seems like every time I finally get into a good rhythm… something happens to derail it.
And then the stress hits — not because I’m lazy or unmotivated, but because my to-do list is (if I’m honest) completely unreasonable. Every time I look at it, I can feel the weight settle in my chest, knowing I’ll never accomplish everything I’ve written down. So why do I keep adding more?
I think there are a few reasons.
Sometimes, it’s because I don’t want to forget something I’d like to do “someday.” Other times, it’s because I love the idea of a project — even if I know deep down I’ll probably never get around to it. But if I’m really honest, the biggest reason is that I’ve bought into what our culture keeps shouting: that my worth is tied to how much I do.
We live in a world that values productivity — hustle harder, move faster, do more with less time. It’s easy to believe that being busy equals being successful or valuable. But where is the real value in that? Am I truly accomplishing more, or just deceiving myself because I’m constantly doing?
When I stop and look at it through the lens of faith, I’m reminded that God doesn’t measure my worth by how much I get done in a day. He’s not impressed by how full my planner is or how efficiently I cross things off my list. What He desires most is my heart — my willingness to seek Him first and trust Him with the rest.
So I’m trying something new. Simple. Grounded.
Just three things each day:
- One thing for work.
- One thing for home.
- One thing for family.
Realistically, that seems impossible. My mind instantly starts spinning: How do I choose? What if I pick the wrong thing? What if something important doesn’t get done? It’s so easy to spiral — to overthink, to stress, to convince myself I have to fix it all right now.
But that’s when I have to pause and remember: I’m not in control — God is. When I bring my list, my worries, and my limited energy before Him, He helps me quiet the noise and focus on the next right step. I may not see the whole plan, but He does. And if I keep trusting Him with my time and my tasks, He’ll show me what truly matters today.
Because maybe real productivity isn’t about doing everything.
Maybe it’s about doing what matters most — and letting God take care of what I can’t.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
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