Busy =/= Productive

If you’ve ever looked at your to-do list and felt like it was never-ending, you’ll want to perk up for this. Because here’s the thing—a good chunk of that list might not even need to be there. I know! 🫣

Today, I’m sharing an approach that has transformed how I manage my day, and it’s one that comes from the brilliant mind of my teacher Martha Beck. She calls it The 3 Bs: Bag it, Barter it, Better it—and trust me, it’s about to revolutionize your to-do list. (I referenced it last week, but it warrants a deeper dive.)

Let’s break it down.

1. Bag It 🛍️

The first question you need to ask yourself when you look at any task is, “Can I just… not do this?”

This is the Bag It phase, and it is liberating.

Let’s be real: sometimes we overcomplicate things by adding unnecessary items to our lists. The pressure to be productive can make you think everything is urgent. But of course, it’s not.

Look at that task you’re dreading. Does it really need to be done? Do you really need to iron the tablecloth when your friends are coming over for a game of mahjongg? Does that email chain actually need your reply, or are you just adding noise to the conversation? Can you just say no to signing up for another volunteer position, one that doesn’t light you up or align with your values?

When you give yourself permission to Bag It you reclaim your time and energy for the things that actually matter. You set yourself free from those "shoulds."

2. Barter It 🤝

Okay, so you’ve got some tasks left that really do need to happen. Next up: Barter It.

This step is all about asking: “Can someone else handle this for me?” and thinking strategically about what you can delegate or trade.

Could you hire a virtual assistant to handle your inbox while you focus on revenue-generating activities? What about buying the pre-cubed squash at the store? Or sitting down with your partner and review who’s responsible for what, so you’re each playing to your strengths? Maybe you have a business bestie who loves creating content, and they’d be happy to design your social media carousels if you review their website copy.

And hey, while we’re here, how about leaning on ChatGPT? (Yep, I said it.) Drafting that next piece of content might feel lighter if you start with an AI-driven brain dump that you can refine. It's all about using your resources wisely and getting things off your plate in a way that feels good to you.

3. Better It 💐

Now, if there’s a task that simply must be done by you—and it can’t be bagged or bartered—it’s time to Better It.

This is where the magic happens. How can you transform that task into something more joyful, more aligned with your energy?

Maybe it’s cozying up in your favorite chair, lighting a candle, and tackling that project with your softest socks on and a mug of tea by your side. Maybe it’s turning your email time into a walk-and-talk where you dictate responses while you get some fresh air. Maybe it’s adjusting your playlist, putting on a podcast, or setting a timer so you can knock it out with focus and a little dopamine hit.

I’ve been using this approach with my finances. If you’ve been in these parts for a while, you know that improving my relationship with money has been on my list for a long time. In the past two months, I have made huge leaps in this regard. (Excited to share more about that soon!).

Now, when it’s time to reconcile accounts or log income and expenses, I go all out with ritual. I put on music, move my hips, and light a candle. I drink an oat straw decoction to help soothe my nervous system and I repeat my money mantra. I even took the time to make my Excel spreadsheets pretty. It might sound elaborate, but investing the time and energy in those steps has helped make it so I don’t dread – and put off for months – what I’ve now deemed Wealth Wednesdays.

By shifting the experience, you’re making sure the necessary doesn’t become a drain on your spirit. You get to better it and create an environment that supports you, rather than one that drags you down.

Your To-Do List, Transformed

The magic of the 3 Bs isn’t just about productivity; it’s about reclaiming your time and energy in a way that feels nourishing. It’s about making sure that you stay at the center of your to-do list, rather than letting it run your life.

So, next time you’re staring down that list, ask yourself:

- Can I bag it?

- Can I barter it?

- How can I better it?

In that order, always. (Go ahead and write that that on a post-it to stick to your monitor, eh?)

You’ll be amazed at how much more space you can create—space for the things that actually matter, for the life you’re building with intention and joy. Try it out this week, and let me know how it goes. I guarantee, you'll feel lighter and more in control.