If you're anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself this question a hundred times: Is the to-do list ever really done? Spoiler alert: the answer is no! And I’ve come to realise that’s okay.

Recently, I took a few days off because my brain was feeling a bit fried, and it made me reflect on how we handle our never-ending to-do lists. The more I thought about it, the more I saw that many of us are stuck in a cycle of fake urgency, where we convince ourselves that everything needs to be done right now.

The Trap of Fake Urgency

Before my break, I was cramming tasks into my schedule, thinking, If I just get all this done, I’ll feel lighter. But here’s the truth: many of those things weren’t actually urgent, and I didn't feel lighter. I created a sense of pressure that didn’t need to exist. It’s this little hustler inside me—something I’ve fought to quiet—telling me I had to work harder before I "deserved" a break.

But once I put my out-of-office message on, I felt an immediate release. It was a reminder that the pressure I felt was mostly self-imposed. The tasks I had lined up weren’t emergencies. And this is something I see over and over: we often create urgency where there is none.

Lessons from taking a Break

Taking some time off gave me some much-needed clarity. I realised a few key things about how I was managing my work and my time, and I’m working hard to unlearn some old habits that haven’t been serving me. Maybe these will resonate with you too:

1. Stop Pushing Through at All Costs

For years, I had this mentality that I needed to push through no matter what. I thought if I just worked harder, I’d get more opportunities and recognition. While this habit got me to where I am, it also left me exhausted. Now, I’m learning to ask myself:
- Does this task really need to be done now?
- Does it get me closer to my goals?
If the answer is no, then it’s time to reassess. Constantly pushing through is not sustainable and leads to burnout at worst, resentment at best.

2. Don't Compromise Creativity for Speed

When everything is urgent, how can we produce quality work? I’ve realised that by rushing through tasks, I was sacrificing creativity and attention to detail. I now ask myself whether something truly needs to be done yesterday, or if I can take a little more time to deliver my best work. Often, the deadlines I put on myself were artificial.

3. Rest Is Not a Reward

For a long time, I've seen rest as something I had to "earn." But let me tell you: rest is essential for high performance, not a reward for it. The more I rest, the better my ideas, decisions, and work become. If I don't allow myself time to recharge, I end up just spinning my wheels without making meaningful progress. I feel 'busy', but nothing is really moving.

Three New Habits to Embrace

Here are three new habits I’m working on to replace the old ones:

1. Build Brain Breaks into Your Routine

Don’t wait for a holiday to give yourself a break. I’m now scheduling regular "brain breathers" every quarter—whether it’s a long weekend or just an extra day to unplug. These mini-breaks are game-changers for mental clarity and creativity.

2. View Rest as an Ingredient for Success

Rest is no longer something I "earn"—it’s a critical part of staying productive and energised. If I’ve made an impact today, and I can see progress, that’s enough. Learning to be okay with that has been one of the most freeing changes in my career and business.

3. Set Boundaries and Hold People Accountable

It’s easy to let other people’s lack of planning or accountability become your problem. But I’m learning that just because someone else didn’t plan properly doesn’t mean I need to drop everything, every time. I now ask myself, Is this my responsibility? If not, I stick to my boundaries. What's that saying again "your lack of planing does not constitute a reason for me to abandon myself".

Final Thoughts: Is the To-Do List Ever Really Done?

No, the to-do list will never be fully done. And that’s okay, infact, I think it's even a good thing! Instead of trying to finish everything, let’s focus on creating meaningful impact in our work through targeted effort. That way, we can stop creating unnecessary pressure and start living with more balance, happiness, and fulfilment.

A few tips to keep in mind:

  • Prioritise impact over quantity: Focus on what truly matters and let the small things go.
  • Take time to recharge: You’re not a machine—rest is essential.
  • Set clear boundaries: You don’t need to take on everyone else’s problems.

These changes have made a world of difference for me, and I hope they can for you too!