Because that endless, overwhelming checklist of doom? It’s not helping, soz.

We’ve all been there. You sit down to write a to-do list, determined to “get your life together,” and suddenly your notebook page is filled with 34 wildly unrelated tasks. Everything from "reply to that email" to "deep clean the oven" is screaming at you in one long, anxiety-inducing scroll…

The truth is: that kind of list just doesn’t work for most brains, especially if you’re neurodivergent, overwhelmed, or, you know, human.

So, here are 5 genuinely helpful, brain-friendly ways to plan your day and actually tick things off (without the looming guilt of The List™).

Bonus: they work beautifully with all our cute planner pads and memo boards.

Split your list into three sections:

• Must Do: Non-negotiables (deadlines, appointments, life stuff).

• Should Do: Important, but not urgent (the helpful grown-up things).

• Could Do: Nice-to-haves, not must-haves (the “if I have time” jobs).
  
  

Top Tip: Limit yourself to 3-5 tasks in each section, especially in the Must Do column. That way, your brain sees progress without the panic.

Grab a piece of paper and split it in half lengthways and widthways to make four boxes.

Label each quadrant something like this:

This helps you visually sort your tasks and stop spending your best energy on stuff that doesn’t matter. It’s like giving your to-do list a proper strategy (but still with doodles).

Big tasks are overwhelming. So stop writing vague monsters like “tidy kitchen” or “sort out life.”

Instead, break them into mini-steps:

• Wipe down counters

• Empty the fridge

• Throw out those 5-year-old spices

• Mop the floor

• Light a scented candle and pretend it’s all fine now
  
  

Small wins lead to big progress and bonus: you get to tick more things off. 

Ever had a tiny task live rent-free in your brain for a week?

Make a list of everything that takes under five minutes - think:

• Reply to that DM
  

• Reorder printer ink
  

• Book your dentist appointment
  

• File the receipts you’ve been avoiding
  
  

Then, set a timer and smash through them. The dopamine high from ticking off 5-10 things in a row? Absolutely unmatched.

Try the reverse to-do list

Some days just aren’t made for “productivity.” You’re tired, overstimulated, or simply vibing.

Instead of writing a to-do list beforehand, try a reverse to-do list: jot down everything you do after you’ve done it. Whether it’s “answered one email,” “fed myself,” or “folded some laundry,” you still get that satisfying sense of achievement, just with way less pressure.

Even better: Try my Reverse To-Do List digital planner sheet - made for the “I did a thing!” kind of days.

Ready to make your lists actually work for you?

All these methods are tried and tested, ADHD-friendly, and way more fun with cute stationery. Whether you’re using weekly planner pads, sticky notes, or wipe-clean memo boards, planning doesn’t have to feel like punishment.

Here’s to less pressure, more progress - and always making space for a little treat when you tick something off