What not to do
If there are items on the list that you aren't going to do, eliminate them. Make a decision and stick to it. If you need to let someone know about your decision, do so with integrity. "I'm not going to get to that in this lifetime." "I'm sorry I over-promised; now I see that I can't get that finished." These are probably the things that are keeping you up at night. Make a decision and let it go. Or, finish it and stop over-promising. Finish it, finalize it, and get closure.

Delete everything from your To Do List that you think you should do (except for your work and family time). If you want to do it, that's another thing. When you're internally motivated to do something, it brings you a benefit that's important to you. Our motivations reflect our needs and values. "Shoulds" reflect guilt and the threat of shame. Either schedule these items in your Date Book or let them go. These are the little obligations that add up to big stress. Accept yourself where you are, even if you're not able to do everything you want for yourself and others.

Eliminate the small stuff from your To Do List. Take an hour a day for a week and see how many little items can be resolved by a phone call or quick action. Delete the routine things like paying bills. When bills come in the mail, you'll know to pay them. Create an alarm or other system to remind you of ones that don't come in the mail, or put them in your Date Book. Your To Do List is for projects and promises. Delete the items that you'll naturally remember to do; they don't have to be on your list. The list is there to remind you of things to do. It's not there to run your life.

Cleaning up
Now look at what's left on your list and see if you can hire someone to take care of some of the big things for you. Can you make a call that will move a project off your desk? Remember, you're here to enjoy life, not to be tormented by your To Do List. Some things on your list are really decisions to be made, right? Make those decisions and take action. Keep from making new commitments while you catch up.

Haven't you noticed that if you really want something, it gets done? Make sure your To Do items bring you closer to the life of your dreams. If you do everything on your To Do List, will your life be the way you want it?

Kimberly Bryant is a Business and Personal Success Coach. She helps small business owners create schedules they can live with! Visit http://www.kimberlybryant.com or write timecoach@kimberlybryant.com.