We all know the feeling. You sit down to plan your day, stare at a half-used to-do list... and just feel nothing. No spark, no energy, no motivation to even begin. Your list starts to feel like a wall instead of a tool. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. Your brain isn’t broken, your motivation hasn’t vanished, and you're definitely not alone.
Sometimes, your to-do list just stops working. Here’s what to do next.
1. First, Take a Breath and Stop Blaming Yourself
Your tools are supposed to support you, not the other way around. If your current format feels overwhelming, boring, or uninspiring, it’s not a sign of failure, it’s a sign you need a refresh!
We outgrow planning tools, especially when life changes or your brain’s in a new season (looking at you, ADHD, burnout, and general life chaos).
2. Ask Yourself: Why Isn't It Working Right Now?
Before jumping into a new system, reflect on what’s not working. Ask yourself:
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Do I feel overwhelmed by how much is on my list?
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Am I not sure where to start each day?
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Am I bored by the same layout over and over?
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Is everything feeling too rigid or too vague?
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Am I burnt out, and the list feels like pressure instead of support?
Understanding the block helps you fix it, not just patch it.
3. Shake It Up with a New Format
Here’s the fun part. Instead of forcing yourself through a list that’s no longer serving you, change the tool.
Here are a few of my favourite brain-friendly processes (and how to use them when you need a fresh start):
The Reverse To-Do List
Perfect for low-energy days. Instead of planning ahead, write down what you have done, even the tiny things. Great for burnout, low motivation, and seeing that you are making progress.
Grab the printable sheet here.
The 1-3-5 Method
Prioritise 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small ones. This adds structure without overload. Great for getting things done when your brain doesn’t know where to start.
Grab the printable worksheet here.
Brain Dump
Empty your head of every thought, task, reminder, or idea - without needing to act on it yet. Great for overwhelm, racing thoughts, ADHD days.
Productivity Bingo
Make your to-do list into a game. Choose 9 tasks, and aim to complete a line. Great for making progress fun.
See my bingo to-do list notepads here.
4. Make it Your Own (and as cute as possible!)
Sometimes, all it takes is switching up your layout, using a new sticker, or writing your list on a wipe-clean memo board instead of paper.
Your planning tools should make you want to use them.
That’s why all of my planner sheets and notepads are designed to be a little cheeky, a little encouraging, and way more fun than a blank spreadsheet.
5. Remember: You’re Allowed to Start Again.
Your planner isn’t a contract. It’s a tool that should adapt to your needs, not trap you into a system that no longer fits.
When your to-do list stops working, take it as a sign to try something new, not give up entirely.
New formats, new layouts, new energy. You’ve got this!
