By Leo Babauta

One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to choose what to do. It seems like a simple question, but for most people, it’s actually not simple at all. In fact, it’s an overwhelming question!

What gets in the way:

  • A thousand things on my list
  • A never-ending pile of emails and messages to answer
  • A thousand browser tabs open
  • Ten thousand things to do in my daily life (finances, cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc.)
  • Interruptions and new demands on my time
  • Things never go according to plan
  • Projects, books, courses, and more that are waiting for me to start (or continue) them

As you can see, it’s not so simple to choose. No wonder people get stuck on the question.

The way to work with this, though, is pretty simple. In fact, usually too simple for most people, who hear the advice and then don’t tend to heed it.

Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Make a long list of everything you need to do, pulling from emails and projects and browser tabs and more. This can be overwhelming, but it really helps to put everything down so you feel you’ve got it all. This list isn’t to be finished, just a place to pull from for your short list (below). Btw, I like to start with a fresh piece of paper or digital note for this list, when things feel out of hand.
  2. Make a short list of 3–5 things you need to do first. How do you decide? Listen to your gut. There’s no right answer, so practice choosing from your gut.
  3. Pick one thing from the short list and focus on it exclusively. Let it be your entire world.

This is a pretty simple and flexible system, because if something comes up that interrupts you, you can decide whether to put it on the long list, the short list, or to make it the one thing you’re focusing on right now. Decide that from the gut as well.

With practice, you get good at choosing from the gut.

Take some time every week to get the long list updated. Also take some time to clear out some of the smaller tasks that pile up. Take some time at the end of each day (or beginning) to make your short list. If you finish the short list, give yourself the chance to do some of the smaller things.

That’s the simple system! Give it a wholehearted try and see how it goes.

If choosing what to do feels overwhelming, if your mind gets tangled in uncertainty, second-guessing, or pressure to get it right — you’re not alone.
In Fearless Living Academy, we practice something different: trusting ourselves in the choosing. Taking action even when it feels imperfect. Returning to what calls for our focus, again and again.
Join us and build this practice with the support of a community that’s committed to doing the same.