Collecting is how to get things done

I’m always, always, struggling with a list of needs, wants, to-dos, etc. It’s ever-growing, never-ending, and occupies more time on my mind than anything should. But it’s not a problem that’s unique to me. Many people I know share similar busy schedules. The tips I read on productivity often include the author decrying their inability to manage an increasing workload.

Going back to David Allen’s book Getting Things Done, it seems the trick is to manage where you keep things that need doing. And the more places you have, the more spread out your to-do list, and the more likely you are to get overwhelmed. Fewer places mean fewer stacks, and that means more focus.