How to shrink an ever-growing to-do list.

get all the to-do lists in one place visible to you. Write everything down.

Understand the source of the growing list. Are these new requests or projects? Any item on the to-do list lingering for months must be re-assessed or removed.

Prioritize based on some criteria. One good criterion is the cost of delay. If an item in the list is not done, will you incur some cost?

A to-do list is a good start. What you need next is the next action list. What are the minimum actions needed to get going? Say you want to write a blog, the next action could be to schedule it, then title, then structure, etc.

Things that can be done together should be done together. Errands, chorus, etc.

If it is not on your calendar, it is not happening.

You need to set some filters or standards. For example, you will not do anything that is not congruent with your values.

Make your progress visual. Not Started, In progress, Blocked, Completed.

Having an accountability partner also helps keep you checked.

Planning the next day and week helps you put first things first. It also keeps you aware of your progress.