Asking for a Friend: What to do first: open the mail or get a bowl of ice cream?

Dear Nettie,

My ‘friend’ is often overwhelmed with what task to do first?  There is so much to do that I, ‘she’, feels sometimes like just pulling up to a bowl of ice cream instead. What would you suggest my "friend" do?

-- Ice Cream is my Superpower

​Dear Ice Cream is My Superpower,

“To Do’s” can be daunting and you just hit the nail on the head with the task of handling the mail. I have personally been acquainted with many who would leave the task of opening the mail for months or even years! If your to-do list has gotten out of control, pulling up to a bowl of ice cream does seem like it would be your best bet! And, I am completely serious about this.The first step is to put yourself in a better mindset whether that is ice cream, going for a walk, dancing, writing in your journal or doing 5-10 minutes of a task that you absolutely love.  

If you have handled your mindset, then step two is to understand your vision for the work you are doing. It may seem silly to create your vision when you are talking about checking the mail or running errands with your kids or handling miscellaneous tasks at work. But when you know why you are doing the work you are doing and you keep this ‘why’ in front of you then you can ensure that you are always doing the right task at the right time.

If you envision a life with a roof over your head, fun events with friends, engagement in your community, then opening the mail will help you achieve these goals and you will be more inclined to go through the mail measuring what you are opening against it’s ability to help you achieve your vision. If it doesn’t, then TOSS!

Once you have a to-do list a mile long it is likely the case a portion (maybe even a large portion) is no longer relevant. Step three is to cull your to do list. Remove anything that is past due (and cannot be completed) or no longer relevant. Then decide for each item if and how it helps you achieve your vision. Last, decide if you need to be the one to complete the task or if you can delegate, outsource or automate the item.
​
Step 4, grab yourself another bowl of ice cream. As you said, it’s your superpower!

Yours,

​Nettie