A reminder for when you're overwhelmed at work

The American Medical Association says the average person now makes 35,000 decisions…every single DAY.

No wonder we’re so stressed and tired.

A few weeks back I heard that grocery stores today offer 40,000 more items than they did just 20 years ago

No wonder psychiatrists are issuing warnings about “decision fatigue”.

What’s the solution?

A good list.

David Wallechinsky, coauthor of the bestselling Book of Lists, says that lists are “a balm to a cluttered mind.” 

Lists help us sort through endless possibilities and settle on a few necessities.

Lists provide clarity, focus, and motivation.

That's how they make life more manageable. And that's why they have a calming effect.

I picture my daily to-do list as a kind of "bouncer for my life." It glares at unfruitful activities or irrelevant tasks, and says, “Sorry. I can't let you in—not today.”

So lists are eminently helpful.

But they also make life more enjoyable.

Think about how your mood lifts when you reminisce about your five favorite vacations, debate with friends the "10 all-time greatest TV shows," or tell a visitor about your top three local restaurants.

Surely all this is why author Umberto Eco gushed, “There is nothing more wonderful than a list.”

List making is life enhancing.

Given this reality, let me list (see what I did there?) five lists to consider making today if you're feeling overwhelmed by work stuff:

  • 10 Tasks I Need to Automate or Delegate This Week. Can you imagine your professional life if those things were off your plate?

  • 5 Relevant Business Books I Need to Read—Purchase. Read. Upskill.

  • My Professional “Mount Rushmore”—List the four professional mentors who’ve impacted you most. If possible, write, call, or visit them and thank them for their investment in your life.

  • 7 Marketing To-Dos for Summer 2025—List the projects you’ve been putting off. (If you’re not sure how to execute them, click that red button below).

  • Encouragement Experiment—List five co-workers or employees you’d like to affirm, thank, or surprise in some way. One per day, make their day.

Those are just quick ideas off the top of my head. No doubt you can improve on my list of lists.

Here’s what I know: This little practice works like a charm. List making DOES have a calming effect.

Feeling professionally overwhelmed today? Make a list.

Then let that list guide you to a better, healthier place.

Len Woods