Stop Failing at Your To-Do List

Jun 5, 2025

Dive into the humorous world of productivity, where to-do lists are rebranded as 'to-fail lists.' Discover why many successful entrepreneurs struggle with task management and how their need for simplicity can inspire change. Learn to focus on three key tasks per day to boost effectiveness and ditch the guilt of overwhelming lists. By shifting to a reflection-based approach, celebrate accomplishments and redefine your relationship with productivity for a stress-free life.

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ADVICE

Do Three Important Tasks Daily

Focus on doing three important tasks each day for productivity and success.
Completing all minor tasks isn't essential as long as key goals are achieved.

INSIGHT

To-Do Lists Are To-Fail Lists

Traditional to-do lists often become "should I do it", "when am I going to do it", and "why haven't I done it" lists.
These lists create guilt and procrastination, making to-do lists "to-fail lists" in disguise.

ADVICE

Prioritize and Delegate Tasks

Determine if tasks align with your goals and values to prioritize effectively.
Throw away or delegate tasks that don’t matter or can be handled by others.

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Daily Boost Podcast Show Notes

Stop Failing at Your To-Do List

June 5, 2025 | Episode 5109

Host: Scott Smith

Episode Description

Scott takes a humorous yet practical approach to productivity by exposing the truth about to-do lists - they’re “to-fail lists” in disguise.

He reveals why most people struggle with traditional task management and introduces a game-changing perspective that removes stress while getting things done. This episode combines Scott’s signature wit with actionable strategies that successful people used to accomplish what matters most.

Featured Story

Scott shares insights from his conversation with a fellow coach who works with high-end entrepreneurs and business owners. Despite their success and resources, these accomplished individuals still need help with the basics - including how to create effective to-do lists. This revelation leads to Scott’s exploration of why we overcomplicate productivity and how returning to fundamentals can transform your daily effectiveness.

Important Points

Most successful people focus on completing just three important tasks per day rather than overwhelming themselves with endless lists.

Traditional to-do lists often become “should I do it,” “when am I going to do it,” and “why haven’t I done it” lists that create guilt and procrastination.

The key to stress-free productivity is shifting from a task-driven mindset to a reflection-based approach that celebrates what you’ve already accomplished.

Memorable Quotes

“If I do three important things a day, I’m good. And anybody I’ve ever talked to that has success in life does about three important things a day.”

“You don’t have to check everything off. Just look and see if you did it.”

“Instead of being guided by your list all day long, every day, like gotta do this, gotta do this. You’re no fun, by the way.”

Scott’s Three-Step Approach

Determine if tasks align with your goals and values, recognizing that focusing on the 20% that matters ensures the rest happens.

Throw away everything you can by reviewing your list and eliminating tasks that don’t need to be done by you or don’t need to be done at all.

Transform your to-do list into a “did I do it” list by reflecting on what you’ve accomplished rather than stressing about what’s left undone.

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