How I Transformed My Life by Rethinking My To-Do List

Wed Jan 28 2026

And how accountability turned a simple habit into a life-changing shift

Something powerful hit me this week. I was reflecting on how much my life has changed since starting The Accountability Club, and it all started with something as simple as a to-do list.

It might sound like a small thing, but trust me:

The way we organise our time and priorities has a huge impact on our wellbeing, mindset, and overall sense of achievement. And for a long time, my to-do list was quietly draining me.

The Endless To-Do List That Made Me Feel Like a Failure

Before joining The Accountability Club, I would write endless to-do lists with no real thought behind them. I would pile on task after task, big things, small things, urgent things, not-so-urgent things, all with the same level of urgency.

Everything felt like it had to be done now, and if it was not, I would feel like a failure.

It became a never-ending cycle:

• Add more things to the list
• Feel overwhelmed looking at the list
• Avoid the list
• Judge myself for not doing enough
• Add more things to the list anyway

It was not that I was lazy or unmotivated. I just had not set any boundaries with myself. My list was unrealistic, unfiltered, and unachievable. Looking at it did not inspire action, it only reminded me of what I was not doing. And that feeling was exhausting.

Enter The Accountability Club

Everything started to shift when I began using The Accountability Club to track my tasks. Instead of jotting everything down on my phone or scribbling in a notebook, I began sharing my to-do list in the club.

And here is the game-changer. When you know someone is going to ask you whether or not you did something, you start to think more carefully about what actually belongs on your list.

In the club, we ask the big, sometimes dreaded, question:

Why

It is not about shame. It is about honest reflection. And when you know that question is coming, you start to get intentional with what you commit to. You pause. You ask:

• Is this actually important?
• Is this realistic today?
• Is this a priority right now?

That pause changed everything for me.

How I Rebuilt My To-Do List and My Sense of Self

I realised that I do not have unlimited time, energy, or mental space, so my to-do list cannot be unlimited either.

Now, I am selective. I only add tasks that feel achievable, necessary, and aligned with what matters most. I have even developed a daily rhythm I swear by: Three Musts a Day.

Each day, I choose just three things I must complete. They are realistic, intentional, and they set the tone for my day. And when I tick them off, I actually feel like I am getting somewhere.

Gone are the days of overwhelming task lists and self-imposed pressure. My list now feels like a supportive tool, not a weapon of self-criticism.

Yes, there are still things I put off, looking at you, tip run, but now I can separate what needs to be done from what can wait, without the guilt.

The Ripple Effect - Better Energy, More Alignment

In one of my coaching sessions, my coach said something that really stuck with me:

“You are putting better energy into the world.”

And honestly, I feel it.

Before, I was living in a constant state of pressure and disappointment. Now, I feel grounded, motivated, and most importantly, aligned with how I want to live.

Tasks are getting done. I feel good about what I am achieving. And in turn, good things seem to be happening more often. I believe in myself more. I trust my own follow-through. That energy shift is real.

Your To-Do List Is Not Just a List, It Is a Mirror

A to-do list is not just a productivity tool. It is a reflection of how we treat ourselves, how we set boundaries, and how we honour our time.

Used intentionally, a to-do list can transform your life.

Used mindlessly, it can seriously damage your self-esteem and mental health.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly behind, maybe it is time to stop blaming yourself and start rethinking your list.

Want to Try It for Yourself?

If this resonates, come join us in The Accountability Club. You will find the structure, support, and community to help you build better habits, not just for productivity, but for life.

And who knows? Something as simple as writing a better to-do list might just be your first step towards everything aligning.