We’ve all been there—crafting a ‘Someday’ list filled with aspirations like writing a novel, learning a new language, or launching a side business. These are tasks we genuinely desire to accomplish but often postpone indefinitely. Converting these ambitions into actionable goals requires strategic planning and a shift in mindset. Here’s how to make your ‘Someday’ list a reality.
Understand the ‘Someday’ Phenomenon
The “Someday” list is a concept popularized by productivity expert David Allen in his book Getting Things Done. It encompasses tasks you’re interested in but not yet committed to. While it’s beneficial to capture these ideas, they can become a graveyard for unfulfilled ambitions if not managed properly.
One reason these tasks remain undone is the illusion of unlimited time. When we think of goals in abstract terms, they seem like future possibilities rather than immediate priorities. This mindset can lead to perpetual postponement. To counter this, it’s essential to distinguish between a “wish” and a “commitment.” A wish is something you hope to do someday, while a commitment is an active step toward making it happen.
Leverage the Zeigarnik Effect
The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. By starting a task, even minimally, your brain remains engaged, increasing the likelihood of completion. Psychologist and productivity expert Bluma Zeigarnik herself, as well as others in the field, recommend committing to just five minutes of work to harness this effect, making daunting tasks more approachable.
A practical way to apply this is through the “Just Start” technique:
- If you want to write a book, draft the first sentence.
- If you want to exercise more, do a single push-up.
- If you want to launch a business, outline the first three steps.
Once the brain registers a task as incomplete, it creates a natural pull to finish it.
Review & Update: The CEO Check-In
Rather than just reviewing your list once a month and forgetting about it, treat your personal task review like a CEO manages a company—through a weekly strategic meeting with yourself.
The 3-Step CEO Check-In:
- Look Back – What was accomplished last week? What slowed you down?
- Look Ahead – What’s the next priority? What obstacles could arise?
- Adjust & Re-Prioritize – Shift timelines or change methods as needed.
Instead of saying, “I will do this every Monday at 8 AM,” set a floating review time that adjusts weekly based on your schedule and energy levels.
Example: If you underestimated the time needed for a website redesign, instead of feeling like you failed, adjust the next steps and refine your approach based on what you learned.
The “Pre-Deadline” Trick
Deadlines are essential, but traditional deadlines often create last-minute stress and procrastination. A better method? Set a “Pre-Deadline” for each major task.
Aim to complete 90% of your task BEFORE the actual deadline, leaving room for refinement. This prevents last-minute rushes and improves quality.
Example: If your project is due Friday, aim to complete 90% by Wednesday, leaving Thursday for refining and fixing details.
The “Vision Board Reality” Check
Vision boards are fantastic for keeping our larger dreams in sight, but they often showcase an idealized version of our future selves. To make long-term aspirations work for you, integrate a new tool: a Vision Board Reality Check. This technique focuses not only on your big goals but also on the small wins that can happen right now.
For example, if your ultimate goal is to start a blog, instead of just envisioning the grand launch, create a vision board that includes smaller tasks like “design logo” or “write first blog post.” Each of these small actions is something you can achieve in the present, not just in the distant future. By physically seeing the progression from dream to reality, you maintain a clear sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that your future plans turn into present achievements.
The “Reverse Engineering” Method
Instead of focusing on the end goal and working backward, reverse engineer how you would feel if you accomplished a task on your ‘Someday’ list. This method targets emotions and mindset, making the task feel more relatable and motivating.
How to Apply It to Your ‘Someday’ List:
If your goal is to run a marathon, don’t focus on the physical steps first. Instead, imagine how you’ll feel crossing the finish line. Visualize the pride, the relief, and the sense of achievement. Then, reverse engineer the micro-moments leading up to that emotional payoff. Ask yourself: What’s one small thing I can do today to get closer to that feeling? Maybe it’s running a short distance or even simply researching marathons.
If you’re thinking about starting a YouTube channel, imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll have after your first video goes live and people start watching. Reverse engineer the steps—starting with recording a video that feels right and then figuring out the tech stuff later.
How Planndu Helps You Turn “Someday” Into “Today”
Planndu isn’t just a task list—it’s a personalized execution system designed to help you take real action. Here’s how:
✅ Dynamic Task Prioritization – Adjusts task priorities based on changing needs.
✅ Pre-Deadline Reminders – Encourages early completion to reduce last-minute stress.
✅ Pomodoro Timer – Breaks tasks into focused intervals, enhancing productivity.
✅ Set Status – Lets you update your task progress, keeping you on track.
✅ Repeat Reminders – Sends recurring alerts to keep tasks on your radar.
In the words of author James Clear, “Don’t just imagine doing things someday. Do them now.” By taking immediate action—no matter how small—you can start turning your intentions into reality. It’s these small, consistent steps that help bridge the gap between dreams and accomplishments, turning your ‘Someday’ list into a series of tangible, achievable goals! 🚀
