I started a to-do list with the best intentions.
Simple, clean, realistic.
Now it has evolved into something that can only be described as a long-running fantasy novel with unresolved plotlines and emotional trauma.
Chapter 1: “Reply to Emails”
This was supposed to be a quick task.
It is now a recurring subplot spanning three weeks, multiple moods, and at least one existential crisis.
Every day I write it again like:
“Reply to emails”
And every day I pretend this time will be different.
It never is.
Chapter 2: “Organize Desk”
This task has developed lore.
At first, it meant moving a few items.
Now it involves:
- historical context
- emotional attachment to objects
- archaeological-level decision making
I am no longer organizing a desk.
I am preserving ancient artifacts of past productivity.
Chapter 3: “Quick Task (5 min)”
This is the villain of the story.
It always appears innocent.
It always says “5 minutes.”
It always transforms into:
- research
- distraction
- accidental life reset
This task has survived longer than some of my hobbies.
Chapter 4: “Start Working Properly Tomorrow”
A prophecy.
A promise.
A repeating character arc that never develops.
Every day, this line appears at the bottom of the list like:
“To be continued…”
But tomorrow keeps refusing to show up.
Chapter 5: The Expanding Side Quests
Somehow, new tasks keep spawning:
- “Look up something important”
- “Fix life admin stuff”
- “Be productive for once”
None of these have context.
All of them feel urgent.
None of them get completed.
Chapter 6: The Emotional Lore Development
The list is no longer just tasks.
It now contains feelings:
- guilt
- optimism
- denial
- sudden bursts of confidence at 2 AM
At this point, it’s less of a planner and more of a diary written by someone trying to appear functional.
Chapter 7: The Rewriting Cycle
Instead of completing tasks, I:
- rewrite them
- reformat them
- move them to a new section called “IMPORTANT”
Which is just “UNFINISHED” with better lighting.
Conclusion
My to-do list is no longer a productivity tool.
It is a living document.
A saga.
A slow-burning narrative where:
- nothing gets resolved
- everything gets postponed
- and the main character (me) keeps believing in a sequel called “tomorrow”
And honestly… it’s getting pretty good.
Too bad I still haven’t finished reading it.
