Tunnel Tasking

Do you ever get to the end of your day and wonder where your time went? It’s easy to jump between emails, errands, and a million other tasks. In this episode, I share how I prioritise my day, poke fun at our attempts at multi-tasking, and talk about the best ways to create to-do lists that actually work.

There’s a fun exploration here of how we convince ourselves we can get everything done right now. The conversation also offers gentle reminders on when you should slow down to refocus your energy, so you don’t end up chasing too many shiny objects all at once.

Why I Organise My Day Carefully

A structured day might be the last thing on your mind if you feel creative or restless. Yet, setting up a realistic plan can help you feel more grounded. I’ve learned that trying to wing it often leads to stress.

Even so, I don’t create rigid schedules that crush my creativity. Instead, I have a flexible framework. That might look like a morning routine with a relaxed schedule for the afternoon. It helps me keep track of important tasks. It also leaves space for spontaneity.

The Truth About Multi-Tasking

You might have heard people say, “I’m fantastic at multi-tasking.” Let’s be honest though—our brains aren’t built for juggling too many things at once. Switching between tasks leaves me feeling scattered.

“I discovered I’m not as good at multi-tasking as I'd thought, and that was a huge relief—focusing on one thing at a time improved my productivity.”

Single-tasking doesn’t have to be boring. It can be energising because you’re giving full attention to one thing. You notice details you would otherwise miss. You also finish tasks more smoothly. If you really must switch tasks often, try to cluster similar ones where possible. Keep your brain in one mode a bit longer.

Creating A To-Do List You’ll Actually Use

I used to create endless to-do lists. Then I’d look at them at night and realise I’d only ticked off two items. Sound familiar? The key is limiting your daily list to what’s truly essential.

• Start your day by identifying one main priority.
• Add two or three smaller tasks to complete if you have time.
• Knit them into manageable chunks. Don’t cram your schedule.

This approach stops me from feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about ignoring everything else. It’s about giving yourself a fair shot at success. You’ll feel accomplished rather than defeated.

Embracing Imperfection

Some days, you won’t get everything done. That’s normal. Try not to beat yourself up when you can’t tick every box. Let yourself reflect on the reasons why things didn’t get crossed off.

Was that item too big to tackle in one go? Did you overestimate your time? Sometimes, it’s a sign you’re juggling too much. Other times, it’s about reframing how you do certain tasks. If your to-do list always scares you, maybe you need shorter time blocks or a reminder to take breaks.

Don’t shy away from adjusting your list. It’s your plan, so tweak it whenever you need. That sense of ownership can transform your day and build confidence in your abilities.

Staying Motivated When Distractions Hit

Part of making any plan work is staying motivated. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop while you focus. Notifications pop up. The doorbell rings. Our own thoughts can drift.

1. Try short work sessions. For example, 20 minutes of focus, then a quick break.
2. Keep phone notifications on silent if possible.
3. Celebrate small wins. Each task you finish is a step forward.
4. Forgive yourself if you get off track. Just jump back in.

In this episode, I talk about how tiny resets can get you back on track. Being willing to pause and readjust is a superpower when distractions are high.

• Own your morning with a simple routine
• Focus on single tasks, not everything at once
• Keep to-do lists short and realistic
• Forgive yourself when plans shift
• Take small breaks to maintain energy

There’s much more in the conversation, including personal anecdotes about how I learned to keep it all together (or at least try to). If you want to hear the full chat, the podcast player is right at the top of this page. Have a listen and see if these ideas can spark some positive changes in your day-to-day life.

Cheers,
Stephen