September 4 Weekly Technique

Stressing over how you'll fit everything in this week? Take a deep breath and repeat, "I don't have to do it all." Feel better? Great, now let's focus on what you can accomplish-and how.

We love a good to-do list. OK, we mostly love the thrill of taking a pen and done! But life's four-letter word is busy. And if you keep adding more to your list without giving yourself any breathing room, the only thing you may end up crossing off is the likelihood you'll get anything done.

Give yourself permission to let less-doable, less-important items drop off, and prioritize just one or a few to-dos. (Trust us, this approach won't ruin your weight-loss efforts.) Then break down those tasks into smaller, even more doable steps and you'll create something better than a to-do list: A clear road map of how you'll start and finish a task-with pre-set stops to fuel up on accomplishment and momentum along the way.

One thing to remember: You don't have to "do it all" to be successful. This journey should fit into your life, not take it over. Simply deciding what to prioritize-and doing that-can free up precious time and headspace that keep you on track.