I Gave Up My To-Do List for a Week + Here’s What Happened

A full-time small business owner, part-time freelance writer and fitness instructor, I’m *constantly* re-arranging a lengthy to-do list for GSD. My Google calendar serves as a fool-proof backup, with its color-coded blocks to ensure that I’m constantly moving along according to a self-set game plan. But despite the work that I’ve put into over the last couple of years developing a system that incorporates expert to-do list tips, there are still times when keeping up is exhausting and feels downright depressing. Since I like to try helpful hacks that promise increased efficiency, I was super intrigued when I came across Silicon Valley entrepreneur, engineer and investor Mark Andreesen’s Anti-To-Do List concept — instead of crossing off pre-planned tasks, you record all of the things you achieved in the day, after the fact. I was blown away when Mark spoke to my hardworking and tight-knit team about startups and productivity at my last job (and I’ve read many of his blog posts since), so I was extra excited to test out one of his ideas for a week. Here’s what I learned.

Changing things up can feel seriously scary

My first couple of days without my regular to-do list gave me what felt like minor panic attacks. It didn’t take me long to realize how seriously accustomed I am to deleting/moving/editing the items on my list, all of which are broken down by day, priority and type of work. Because the Anti-To-Do List calls for completely ditching a written roster of to-dos, I was forced to call on calendar alerts, memory and my inbox to keep track of what I needed to do. Within the first 20 minutes of giving up my list, I was already at a loss for where to start.

Because my typical day includes calls, screen sharing sessions, places I need to be and specific chunks of time dedicated to different types of work, I continued to feel seriously off-kilter without my categorized cheat sheet. It got a little bit easier by the end of the week (admittedly, I started relying on my calendar even more), but the feeling of missing/relying on my documented list truly never went away.

My daily to-do lists are pretty unrealistic

My to-do list is a pretty wild dump of literally everything on my radar, from personal stuff that can be done whenever to project work or assignments with hard deadlines. Like most people, I try really hard to get through as many tasks as I can, which means that each day has a pretty long list of items that need attention. To-do list lines I can’t address by the time I wrap a work day get pushed further down the list — usually with feelings of disappointment, even after putting in more hours than I originally intended to.

I was forced to write down what I actually got through after each full day (while working efficiently and at full capacity). I realized that I have a tendency to overload my daily list with a totally unrealistic number of tasks. I could pinpoint that my stress stems from where I start my mornings, as my too-high expectations were unreasonable from the start and set me up for feelings of failure. This was a really valuable lesson to learn!

Noting progress can serve as major motivation

“Celebrating wins” is something that people talk about a lot when it comes to progress. Though I wholeheartedly believe that it’s important for a person to mark milestones when it comes to working toward a goal, I realized that I’ve 100-percent failed at putting this into practice for myself. Holy smokes.

When it comes to creating an Anti-To-Do List, Mark says, “What you do is this: Every time you do something — anything — useful during the day, write it down in your Anti-To-Do List on the card. And then at the end of the day, take a look at today’s card and its Anti-To-Do List and marvel at all the things you actually got done that day.”

Once I did this, it wasn’t hard at all to see how many things I should’ve felt good about! I was forced to come to grips with the fact that I *never* stop to pat myself on the back for the number of important tasks and projects I’m able to get through during a work day, mostly because all I see at the end of each is the tasks that remain on my list. I think this might be part of the reason that I often feel stressed even after my laptop is closed for the night — it’s as if my work is never done, even after I’ve had a truly productive day. Pausing to let the good stuff sink in can be a major motivator and is just as important as setting sights on what’s next!

I can’t quit my standard to-do list

I REALLY wanted to like this Anti-To-Do List experiment. In fact, I really hoped I’d uncover a new way of outlining and accomplishing my tasks that felt more freeing. But since I’m being honest, I totally have to admit that running my day without written lines of what I need to do isn’t for me.

I can’t ignore the fact that I work better when I can scan and edit my task list throughout the day, which erases any fear that I might be missing something. Going without it gave me real feelings of anxiety that sucked up energy I’d rather use on my actual work. I also like having my list available to document anything urgent that pops up during the day —something I’m sure I won’t change about the way I work.

Despite the fact that I’m set on keeping a written roster of stuff to get done, I do plan to incorporate a few key lessons learned into my workflow. This means being more realistic when outlining what I can do during a normal work day, hopefully leading to a better work-life balance and fewer feelings of disappointment. I also want to work on consciously stopping to note my progress, milestones and wins. To make it easier to see them, I’ve switched from using notepad to Asana, a slick (and pretty!) tool that makes it easy to see everything that’s been checked off in a day, week or month. I think the mix of both lists will give me a really good holistic view of what I’m doing while helping me move forward!

Would you try the Anti-To-Do List? How do you keep track of everything you’re working on and accomplishing? Tell us all about it @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Jenna Bush Hager chose Holly Gramazio's The Husbands as her book club's April pick in 2024 and it became an instant bestseller. Evidently, Apple TV took notice and decided it would be an excellent idea to adapt it into a new drama series! We're fond of adaptations here, so we're elated to this fresh storyline come to life. But, guess what else we're intrigued about?

The Husbands series has already found it's lead star in Ted Lasso and Fargo actress Juno Temple! Her characters are fan favorites, so we're sure she's going to do her lead role in this series justice.

Scroll to learn more exhilarating news about The Husbands series!

What is 'The Husbands' about?

Amazon

The Husbands chronicles one woman's journey as she explores an ever-changing life with different men she's never met before. But this isn't a tale of reckless one-night stands. On the contrary, Lauren will be as confused as readers and viewers because she's not sure what's happening.

It all begins with her return to her home and the realization that a man who's strangely familiar with her is calling himself her husband. Unbeknownst to her, she's been married to Michael for a while despite not knowing who he is. What's even more ironic is that her friends think something's wrong with her because they know who her husband is.

In the midst of trying to decipher this phenomenon, Lauren's shocked when Michael disappears into the attic and a new man returns in his place. As she watches her surroundings change to accommodate life with him, Lauren slowly realizes her attic has created a portal that allows her to live out different fantasies with a revolving door of men. But, she'll have to ask herself what she really wants and if she's willing to hang on to one reality instead of wishing for more.

Has more cast information been released?

Diana Patient

Holly Gramazio, Author of The Husbands

We know Juno Temple will star in The Husbands, but there haven't been more cast announcements just yet (via Variety). There's so many options for the many spouses she could have which makes us want to dream about our own casting wishlist.

Who's the executive producers of the series?

Diana Patient

Holly Gramazio, Author Of The Husbands

According to Apple TV+, writer Miriam Battye (Succession) will be executive producing The Husbands with Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya), and Annie Marter of Fortunate Jack Productions (The Devil All The Time), author Holly Gramazio and A24.

We love when authors are allowed to give their input in TV or film adaptations!

When will 'The Husbands' premiere on Apple TV? 

Production hasn't started on The Husbands TV series yet, but we'll share more information once it's available!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

As 1923 comes to a close, you might be wondering, What should I watch after 1923? Well you've come to right place because on the latest episode of Yap City, Brit + Co hosts Kayla and Chloe (that's me!) chat about the best Western TV shows to add to your watchlist. From When Calls The Heart for romance fans to Billy the Kid for Tom Blyth lovers, these shows can't be missed.

Here are the best Western shows to watch after you finish 1923 season 2.

What should I watch after 1923?

There are plenty of TV shows any 1923 fan will love (beyond 1883 and Yellowstone of course!)

5 TV Shows To Watch After You Finish '1923' Season 2

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Landman — Stream on Paramount+

In this Taylor Sheridan show, crisis executive Tommy Norris is fighting to secure his company's spot in the oil business during a fuel boom. Easier said than done. 1923 fans, keep your eyes peeled for Michelle Randolph!

Landman is on Paramount+ and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Andy Garcia, and Michael Peña.

Prime Video

Outer Range — Stream on Prime Video

If you like your Westerns with a side of sci-fi, tune into Outer Range. This show follows the Abbott family, who are trying to protect their ranch while also reconciling their daughter-in-law's disappearance. But things get even crazier when a black void appears.

Outer Range is on Prime Video and stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Noah Reid, and Imogen Poots.

Hallmark Media

When Calls the Heart — Stream on Hallmark+

1923 fans who can't get enough of Spencer & Alex's romance will want to watch When Calls the Heart, which follows teacher Elizabeth Thatcher as she relocates to the small town of Coal Valley, and faces all kinds of love, loss, and adventure.

When Calls the Heart is on Hallmark+ and stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Pascale Hutton, Jaeda Lily Miller, Kavan Smith, Andrea Brooks, Chris McNally, Martin Cummins, Viv Leacock, and Jack Wagner.

David Brown/MGM+

Billy The Kid — Stream on MGM+

Before he became the infamous outlaw, Billy was just a kid who experienced all kinds of heartbreak, fell in love, and got into plenty of trouble. Watch our interview with star Tom Blyth!

Stream Billy The Kid on MGM+ and see Tom Blyth, Eileen O'Higgins, Daniel Webber, and Alex Roe.

Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Godless — Stream on Netflix

Godless is the perfect show for 1923 fans because it reorients the cowboy narrative we're all familiar with. It follows a supposed traitor named Roy who's chased by a gang of outlaws to La Belle, a town nearly entirely governed by women after a mining accident killed almost all the husbands, fathers, and brothers.

Godless is on Netflix and stars Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Will there be another series after 1923?

Paramount

There are a few more Yellowstone spinoffs on their way! In addition to the new show The Madison with Michelle Pfeiffer, it looks like we're also getting a spinoff about Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.

What order to watch Yellowstone 1883 and 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

If you're new to the Yellowstone universe, you can watch the shows in chronological order or in release order, depending on how you want to experience the story. If you want to watch chronologically (my personal favorite), watch the shows in the following order:

  • 1883
  • 1923
  • Yellowstone

But if you want to watch in release order, watch this way:

  • Yellowstone
  • 1883
  • 1923

Check out even more Western show recommendations with our 17 TV Shows For Yellowstone Fans!

Gingham dresses are one of our most-anticipated spring dress trends, and we’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pieces ever since they came back on the scene. Charming and nostalgic, gingham maxi dresses in particular are so stunning for springtime. They offer the playfulness of the classic pattern plus plenty of coverage so you can easily navigate the everyday. After searching high and low, we’re bringing you the 9 of the sweetest gingham maxi dresses from our go-to retailers!

Scroll on to shop the cutest gingham maxi dresses for spring!

Nordstrom

Princess Polly Cartmel Gingham Check Maxi Dress

This prairie-inspired dress is so sweet. It's got plenty of coverage, though the upper half fitted with a square neckline leans more femme and flirty. The flowy skirt just barely grazes the floor, enhancing the breeziness of the design! Plus, we adore that the gingham is a bit bulkier, as opposed to more micro patterns.

Reformation

Reformation Kiria Dress

This pick's complete with a totally-smocked bodice that hugs your upper half in the best way possible. It also comes down on your waist a bit further than you'd expect, supplying an elongating drop waist effect (which is super trendy at the mome). The cap sleeve-high neck combo feel undeniably cutesy together – we'd pair this dress with some ballet flats for an easy get-up.

Quince

Quince 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress

This dress' silhouette is fairly simple, meaning you can style it in endless ways for spring and summer. No matter what you wear it with, it's especially nice on the waistline, thanks to the subtle pleating and stretchy, smocked back panel.

Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Renee Smocked Maxi Dress

To amp up the feminine vibes even further, this maxi dress is dotted in illustrations of bows and lil' fruits that recall the spring season perfectly! The straps in the back make a criss-cross shape that's both pretty and practical for holding you in.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch simply kills it in the dress department every time. Case in point is this drop-dead gorgeous red gingham number that's elevated by some puff sleeves and a stylish tiered skirt. All the details found throughout this piece make it feel so whimsical and wonderfully comfy for spring outings.

Reformation

Reformation Elvira Dress

Bubble hem? Check. Open back? Check. This Reformation dress has it all, especially if you're all about taking on the latest fashion trends. It even has a subtle drop waist for an undeniable princess feel.

Nordstrom

City Chic Valley Check Maxi Dress

The sleeves on this adorable green number come with ties for a unique detail you can't often find in other gingham maxi dresses.

Nordstrom

Dôen Emmaretta Gingham Pleated Voile Maxi Dress

With a milkmaid neckline, this maxi is downright dreamy. It's also tastefully embellished with some ruffles and bows up front, adding to the vibe even more. We'd rock this cutie with some white Mary Jane flats or even brown cowgirl boots to pair up with the sheer timelessness of gingham.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Mila Stretch Midi Dress

The vertical seaming on this A&F dress give it a flattering quality, smoothing and shaping your waist to a tee. What's more is the cotton-blend fabric it's cut from is infused with a good amount of stretch to ensure it's comfy all day long!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.