We’ve all been there — staring at an overwhelming to-do list, feeling like we’ve got a “problem” that needs solving. The more we look at the list, the bigger it feels. Maybe if we work hard enough and power through, we can finally check off all the tasks, and then we’ll have time to do something more meaningful, right?
But here’s the real kicker: the to-do list “problem” isn’t something we can solve. In fact, it’s not really a problem at all. Think about it. Even as we cross things off, new tasks pop up. It’s like trying to empty a river with a bucket—it’s never-ending. Life, in so many ways, is one long episode of crossing things off and adding new ones. And that’s okay.
We often fall into the trap of thinking we can “fix” the feeling of being busy as if the ultimate goal is to reach a magical place where we have nothing left to do. But what would that even look like? Imagine waking up one morning with absolutely nothing on your list — no emails, no errands, no meetings. It might feel good for a moment, but wouldn’t it start to feel a bit empty after a while?
As author and journalist Oliver Burkeman wisely points out, “Life is so intrinsically confusing and precarious.” But there’s freedom in accepting and embracing this truth. When we stop fighting the idea that life is chaotic, uncertain, and full of tasks, we can actually enjoy the process more. We’re liberated to give everything we’ve got to this admittedly strange but wonderful human experience.
So, the next time you look at your to-do list and feel like it’s getting the best of you, remember: it’s not a problem to be solved but a reflection of a full and meaningful life. Each task you take on, no matter how small, is part of the larger picture of a life well-lived.
If you’d like to discuss how to manage the busyness of life — and how we can help, ensure your wealth supports your goals — reach out to Concentus Wealth Advisors. We’d love to help you tackle what’s on your list and make sure your financial plan is aligned with the life you’re living.
About VALUABLES
Many financial advisors focus on communicating with clients to provide complex analysis of the investment markets and economies. However, we have learned that most clients are not particularly interested in this complex analysis. Most clients hire an advisor for their knowledge of the markets, not for their ability to explain that knowledge. Most want to know what time it is, not how to build a watch.
Experience has taught us that wealthy families care most about using their wealth as a means to a desirable end, which is to achieve a more satisfying, fulfilled and impactful life, and to fulfill their most important Life Values.
VALUABLES is a periodic article series focused on the concepts, systems, and habits which we have observed among families who have been successful in this quest to use their wealth as a tool to live a life of significance. The most successful families share a set of habits, systems, and insights which enable them to use their wealth as a tool to fulfill their Values and what is most important to them.
We named this article series VALUABLES, because it provides an exploration of those habits, systems, and insights. We hope it will help you to consider your assets and possessions which are most valuable to you, and how you can use your financial wealth to enhance and cultivate your true “Valuables”.
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