How to Get More Done This Week Without Overwhelm

How to Get More Done This Week Without Overwhelm - Photo by Ronnie Overgoor on Unsplash

Imagine setting a clear, specific goal for yourself this week. Not just a vague intention, but something you write down and commit to. Every day, you remind yourself: “Today, I’m going to do this.” These are the actions you want to accomplish, the habits you want to build—habits that repeat themselves on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on.

But there’s another side to this. Along with your list of things you want to achieve, create a second list: things you no longer want to do. These are the habits or actions that hold you back, the toxic routines that drain your energy or harm your well-being. Maybe it’s checking your phone first thing in the morning, procrastinating, or saying yes when you really mean no. Write them down under “Things Not To Do.”

How to Get More Done This Week Without Overwhelm - Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

By having both lists—what you want to do and what you want to stop doing—you give yourself a real chance to have a productive week. This is how you create your dream week, one that actually moves you forward.

What makes this approach powerful is its simplicity. You’re not just adding new habits, you’re also clearing out the old ones that no longer serve you. It’s a double filter for your time and energy. When you see both lists side by side, you get a clear picture of where you want to go and what you need to leave behind.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
— Aristotle

This method isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. Every week, you get to decide what stays and what goes. Over time, these small decisions add up, shaping not just your week, but your entire life.

How to Get More Done This Week Without Overwhelm - Photo by 2H Media on Unsplash

Key Takeaways

• Write down a clear, specific goal for the week.
• List the habits you want to build and repeat daily.
• Make a second list of habits or actions you want to stop.
• Review both lists every day to stay on track.
• Your dream week starts with what you choose to do—and not do.

Reflection

• What’s one habit I want to start this week?
• What’s one habit I need to let go of?
• How would my week look if I actually followed both lists?