EquipHer Vol. 10: "How to Overcome Distractions"Sample

Day 3: Transforming Your “To-Do List” into an “Impact List”

How often have we felt overwhelmed by the number of tasks on our to-do lists, and tirelessly checking them off without pausing to consider their real impact? We live in a culture that glorifies constant activity, but doing more doesn’t always transfer into meaningful progress. This is one of today’s most subtle traps: staying busy without moving closer to fulfilling our purpose.

An Impact List challenges this mindset, offering a focused and intentional approach to our daily work. It’s not about doing more, but about doing what matters most. The key is to intentionally choose tasks—not based on urgency or the satisfaction of checking them off but on their true impact in advancing us toward our God-given purpose.

How do we determine which tasks belong on our Impact List? Start by asking yourself: What actions, if completed, will bring me closer to my ultimate goal? Not all tasks carry the same weight. Some may feel urgent but, if they’re not aligned with our purpose or the mission God has entrusted to us, they don’t deserve the same priority.

Proverbs 16:3 provides powerful guidance: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” This verse isn’t just about entrusting God with the outcomes of our efforts—it’s also about an essential action: bringing our plans under His guidance. By intentionally seeking His wisdom, we can identify which tasks are most significant in His eyes. Every task we place on our Impact List should be carefully chosen—not only for its tangible results but also for its alignment with God’s plan for us. Entrusting our work to Him also means making intentional choices so that every step matters, shifting our focus from scattered, aimless efforts to purpose-driven action grounded in faith.

Reflective Questions

1. Which activities in your life align closest with God’s purpose for you?
2. What holds you back from saying “no” to tasks that don’t move you forward toward your primary goal?

Prayer: Lord, today I entrust all my activities and plans to You. Help me discern which tasks reflect Your purpose for me. Make each of my efforts meaningful in Your eyes, and grant me the wisdom to focus on what truly matters so that my actions bring You glory. Amen.