Silent to do list theory

This time, I will introduce a concept that helps to visualise the actual amount of goods work. It is about Fumio Sasaki Goodbye things from the silent to-do list. This was one of those "Yes!" moments for me, and I've heard my clients have also been inspired by this idea. How to manage the silent to-do list? What is it anyway?

In addition to all the identified activities (e.g. vacuuming, getting the mail), we have a silent to-do list in the "back of our minds", consisting of the attention required by all the stuff we own and the associated peripheral activities. Each object and item that comes into your home brings with it a number of peripheral tasks, or new commitments to your to-do list. For example, when you buy a sweater, you commit to taking care of it. After a while, the sweater and its rags are calling you: 'look after me', 'remember to buy the wool detergent', 'could you please hold me sometimes', etc... Even if you have just cleaned and tidied up, there is still plenty to do at home, and it is the work of this silent list of people. That list is pretty loud to be silent. Should, should, should!

The silent list is very ruthless. These tasks rarely make it to the visible to-do list, which is why they remain vague, leaving only a strange feeling of inactivity. Now, if you look around your house, what all is there to do that you don't see?

We can start to think of ourselves as failing, because everywhere we look we get a return of "this is another thing I haven't done", "that should be done" or "you're still not using this". It's like juggling ten balls when you've had enough with three. If you don't know the impossibility of the task, you may end up believing lies about yourself or blaming others without reason. In reality, no one can do the trick!

How to manage a quiet to-do list?

Know, filter, group and prioritise

To get your silent to-do list under control: know that every good is a commitment. Every piece of clothing, appliance, piece of transport or event contains many tasks. Clothing, for example, involves inventorying, comparing, purchasing, washing or servicing, and finally recycling.

Avoid unnecessary goods and commitments

The fewer units you own, the fewer commitments you have to them. When you check off an item, you are at best checking off more tasks from your silent list. Keep only the most essential items. You can reacquire them if your life situation eases and you have time to take care of more. You can read here from the article at, how the pruning of our dishes went in the end.

Group goods that need the same type of care

This method gives your brain a bit of a rest, because by grouping either the same type of items or items that need the same type of attention, you can tackle several items on your list in one go. For example, gather all the items that need repairing into one basket. You can fix more than one at a time. In this case, "fix pants", "add a button" and "patch a hole", become "repair and maintain clothes". You can put a calendar note on yourself for this, so that the item moves to the visible to-do list and is no longer vague. It also has a clear beginning and end.

Prioritise where you want to spend your time

When you file the tasks on your silent to-do list, you can prioritise where you spend your time. If an item brings unpleasant tasks that are not getting done and therefore screaming obscenities in your direction, could you get rid of it? For example, if you want to be a home baker but can't seem to find the time to bake right now: could you prune this piece of equipment that needlessly keeps reminding you of this imbalance? Or, if you're stuck with green tasks and have to look at sad, wilted plants day after day, could you give them up for a while? Read Eeva Koluthe experience of from his blog.

Take control of your quiet to-do list today

In five minutes, set the bell to ring and take a good look around your home: what could you cut out to get rid of more tasks? Tick off the most obvious items and enjoy a shorter list.

The next time you're out shopping and bringing more stuff into your home, stop for a moment. What and how many commitments does this item bring with it? Think about whether you definitely want them all on your list. Also think about how you will eventually recycle the item responsibly.

If you find it hard to change your habits or get your home pruned, don't stay alone. I run workshops to help you change your relationship with stuff. Here see the next date - join us! I also do home visits, book yours!