January is usually all about fresh starts and productivity resets. As we move into February, I’m determined to keep managing my productivity without stressing myself out.
So how am I doing that?
By continuing what I’ve already started: scheduling tasks instead of carrying them around in my head.
Let me explain.
There was a time when I would constantly stress over everything that needed to be done. I’d eventually get to it, but the mental load alone was exhausting. The tasks weren’t going anywhere, yet they lived rent-free in my mind all day long.
Now, I’ve reached a place where I ask myself one simple question:
“Am I going to do this now, later, or never?”
If it’s now, I do it immediately and get it over with.
If it’s later, I schedule it for a date and time that works for me, and then I stop thinking about it.
If it’s never, I stop thinking about it altogether.
Truthfully, most tasks don’t fall into the “never” category. But occasionally, I realize something wasn’t important to begin with, so I let it go and stop stressing over it.
I use my iPhone calendar for all of this. If I’m unsure when I’ll fit something into my schedule, I ask Siri to set a reminder so I can deal with it later. There’s no reason to mentally store errands and to-do lists when technology can do that for us.
When you keep everything in your mind, you’re constantly trying to remember what needs to be done, and that can be stressful. Scheduling tasks removes that pressure.
Now, about moving tasks to another day or time.
I don’t see this as procrastination. Sometimes we simply plan too much for one day. Sometimes we choose the wrong day entirely. Sometimes life happens.
The key is this: when a task has an appointment, it no longer needs your attention right now.
Each important task has its own place on the calendar. You know when it will be handled, which frees you to be present instead of overwhelmed. Once it’s scheduled, you can return to the moment you’re actually in.
This system has helped me stay productive without feeling rushed, behind, or anxious, and I believe it can work for most people.
So, tell me: what’s your system for managing productivity?
