Too many things

Too many things. This track is for when the list is loud. Too many things to do, all of them shouting at once, and nothing getting done because you cannot pick. You need a pen and something to write on. A phone note will do.

Before the list, one long breath out.

Now write the things down. All of them, as they come, in any order. Do not sort them yet. Keep writing until the shouting in your head goes quieter.

If more come, add them.

Look at the list. It is probably shorter than it felt. Long or short, it is on paper now, and paper does not forget.

Now choose one. The one you are going to do next. If two are fighting for it, take the one that is due sooner. If that does not settle it, take the smaller one.

Put a mark next to it.

The rest can wait on the paper. They are not gone. You can come back to the list when this one is done.

Notice if the mind is still pulling at the others. Tell it: they are on the list. Then look at the one with the mark.

What is the first move on it? Something small enough to start now.

One more breath out.

Now go and do the first move. When this one is done, come back, cross it off, and choose the next.