Stop Worrying About Unfinished Tasks

Let it go, you busy bee

Jess Mailinh
5 min readJul 20, 2022
Cartoon showing confusion around multiple conflicting tasks and signs.
Created by author via Canva

We all have a mental list of things we need to do, and we’re constantly thinking about them.

I recall from my college years that not a single day went by without me feeling stressed.

Going home for a family party? Great, I have a midterm on Monday.

Favorite artist is playing at a festival? Finals are next week!

I forgot how to relax, to let go. I was constantly worried about finances, my job, and passing classes.

I couldn’t stop remembering what “needed” to be done. How am I supposed to enjoy life if my restless mind is in another place?

Having a massive metal to-do list is only one of many unhelpful behaviors I took with me into adulthood (and definitely biting me in the ass now).

Why the mind cares about unfinished tasks

I was beyond stressed out weeks ago talking to my manager.

I had a report to finish, two presentations to prep for, and at least 5 different people asking me for a status update on things I had not finished.

“You have to learn how not to feel overwhelmed,” they said.

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Jess Mailinh
Jess Mailinh

Written by Jess Mailinh

I teach developers how to create technical content that isn’t boring. Love to share useful info. BPD & mental health advocate. First-gen. INFJ. 🐦@jessmailinh