The One-Problem-At-A-Time Planner

When everything feels overdue

1. Get the problems out of your head

Write up to three things currently worrying you.

If three is too many, write one.

2. Check urgency

For each problem, ask:

• Is anyone's health or safety at risk?
• Is there a deadline or consequence approaching?
• Could waiting make this substantially worse?
• Do I need professional or practical assistance?

Mark each problem:

NOW: Urgent or time-sensitive.

SOON: Important, but not immediately urgent.

LATER: Can reasonably wait.

If you are unsure about a potentially serious health, safety or legal matter, seek appropriate advice.

3. Choose one problem

The problem I will address first is:

4. Make the first action smaller

Instead of "Sort out my finances", try "Find the most recent bill."

Instead of "Fix my relationship", try "Write down what I need to discuss."

Instead of "Get my health together", try "Contact the clinic about one concern."

Instead of "Catch up on everything", try "Identify the nearest deadline."

My first action:

5. Decide what help would make a difference

6. Use this message if needed

"I'm dealing with something I've been putting off, and it's become difficult to manage. I want to address it now. Could we discuss the next step?"

Remember

Taking responsibility does not require humiliating yourself.

You can acknowledge a problem, ask for help and begin addressing it without turning the situation into a judgement of your worth.