I love making lists. If you look at my desk on any given day, you will find at least five lists scattered around my computer. There is nothing more satisfying to me than completing a task and crossing it off. And what is the holy grail for list makers like me? Crossing off the last item on that to-do list, but unfortunately, this has never happened to me.Let me assure you, I am a hard-working, productive employee, but somehow finishing my list seems like an unattainable goal. Each time I cross off one item, it seems I’ve added two more, and for a type-A person like me, this does not feel good. Instead of feeling proud of all I did finish, I’m frustrated and stressed.However, I don’t think the problem is me or my level of productiveness, but it’s how I’m managing my to-do list. In this Harvard Business Review article, the author suggests that setting specific parameters around tasks moves them from intention to action. For example, if I’m compiling a report, slating a specific time to do so will make it much more likely to be accomplished than if I added it to my list to do at any point during the day.Another way to better manage my to-do list is to be realistic about what can be accomplished in one day. This isn’t about writing down everything I need to accomplish ever, but instead, I should narrow my list down to three to four items that must be completed and focus solely on trying to accomplish them first.Finally, making a list of all the things I have accomplished helps me to feel more satisfied when I shut down for the night. Having a tangible record of everything I’ve done gives me a sense of accomplishment, even if those items were not on my original list! .This week, I’m challenging myself to rethink my to-do list, to let go of a few things and better focus on the items that really need my attention. Are you a serial list-maker? How do you keep your to-do list from getting out of hand? Please share in the comments!