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One of the biggest struggles I notice over and over again in the brain injury community is to-do lists and actually getting tasks done. One of my own coping skills has been to get a whiteboard where I write down the top three tasks I need to complete this week. As I finish a task, I erase it and put the next task from my “big list” on the board.
Having too many to-do items on your list can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to begin. As a caregiver, it’s important to understand this, as well as apathy — which is a neurological condition that prevents us from having the motivation to start a task. (it’s a real thing — we’re not just being lazy!)
I stumbled upon the 1-3-5 model and thought it would be a great thing to share with you all!!
The basic concept is that you have just ONE big task on your to-do list; followed by THREE medium tasks; and FIVE little tasks that you want to accomplish today. It will look something like this:
- BIG TASK
- medium task
- medium task
- medium task
- little task
- little task
- little task
- little task
- little task
If this feels too overwhelming, it is totally OK to revise … you don’t have to have 3 and 5. It would be 1-1-1 if that’s easier for you.
The whole point is to have 1-3 tasks that you realistically feel you can accomplish in one day. You want to set yourself up for success, and if you don’t get all the tasks done — it’s totally OK!!
It also helps to prioritize your tasks, as the point of the 1-3-5 lists. This ensures you get the top priority tasks done first. Some days taking out the garbage may be the only thing you get done and it is totally OK!
Don’t beat yourself up if you forget you have a to-do list. I did this for 2.5 years and know how frustrating it can be. If you have someone who can be your accountability partner and check in with you once a week (or once a day) and see how your to-do list is going it can be very helpful. Remember that they’re not being judgmental of you — they’re simply helping you stay on track. If you didn’t get something done, just roll it over to the next day’s to-do list!
Find what works for YOU! Find a routine that works and stick to it — it’s all we can do!! Celebrate your little successes!!
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Photo credit: Shutterstock
