Why can’t I clear my To Do list?

To do list
1) make coffee✔️
2) make to do list✔️

Actually more seriously, the more challenging the task, or longer the list, the less likely I am to achieve anything.
One trick I have employed in the past, is to reduce the list to 6 items, making sure that some at least are short and easy. Then give each item a number.
Throw a die (or dice if you’re like me) and start with whatever comes up.

I have a feeling that it must be because I need to always have something ahead of me that needs to be done, maybe deep down even some purpose in life?

That’s an interesting thought, maybe why I rarely finish things?
A sort of reverse bucket list- I have always wondered about the danger of getting to the end of a bucket list! 🪣

I’ve been what my gran would have called proper poorly a nleft with crushing fatigue. One admin task inevitably involved the bleep internet. I’m poor at tech, dislike it, avoid it. I’ve not started a to do list, I just have a growing pile of paper

I make lots of lists too. But I'm content if I just achieve some of the things on them. I'm too old/tired to complete them really, but feel satisfied if I just keep trying to.
I'm never really going to catch up. But that's ok.

P.S. When I win the lottery I shall employ a PA.

I make the same sort of lists and have never completed them. I sometimes take things off the list if there is no chance that I am going to do it 😁 If it's been at the bottom of the list for that long and hasn't made any difference then my time is probably better spent elsewhere.

Every now and again when I review the 'not urgent but needs doing' list I realise that an item is no longer necessary as it's been overtaken by events so I not only don't have to do it but I get to cross it off the list.

I think we all have things that we know need to be done but either we hate doing them or can't work out how to get it done. The only way I can get something like that done is to make it my sole reason for living for as long as it takes just so I can cross it off and not think about it any more. Sometimes I find that I've been worrying about something for no reason as it turns out to be much simpler than I expected.

Gosh. I just don't have a list. Stuff just gets done. Or doesn't. Doesn't seem to stress me out.
Suggestion: chuck lists and see what happens. There are other ways to mark out the year.

Every time I host a new volunteer helper (been hosting mainly young people for nearly 20years) I make a "to do" list.
Indoor jobs and outdoor jobs.

They only stay a fortnight and I try to get through at least some of the things
A mistake I make is to let them choose!

A helper is coming this afternoon for a visit as she's back in Scotland and perhaps wants to see if I've made any progress since she was here before Christmas!

I am trying to clear my house somewhat to sell it and to downsize.

Lists are definitely a good idea. If I didn't make lists I would drink even more coffee and watch TV .

Lists for everything here. Always a weekly list and a sense of achievement when it’s done.
A more long term list includes clearing my loft - little and often, once I get started!

I have a feeling that it must be because I need to always have something ahead of me that needs to be done, maybe deep down even some purpose in life?

I know what you mean.

But I eventually got around that problem.

I told myself, if/when I get really near to the end of the to do list, I will stop. Thereby leaving myself things to do.

The idea worked.
I have never got near enough to do that, so was able to get on with things.

My to do list has gone done by about 3/4 from about two years ago.
But more than enough things left on it for me to keep going with it all.

Throw a die (or dice if you’re like me) and start with whatever comes up.

I do like this idea!

Not done that in years but nearly did that this morning.
Then decided the weather is so nice, I really should get on with the outdoor job I have been avoiding for weeks.

I think if you re-read your post you will see the answer.

The things left on your to-do list are, as far as I can see, the things that are emotionally hard or very upsetting.

You did not mention when your husband died, but that is not really relevant. Judging by my own experience, the things that meant most to my husband, are still in this house, 2½ years after his death, even although I know he would prefer them to be given to someone who wants and can use the things, I neither know how to use (tools) or want to use (cameras).

But I am only just (about) ready to deal with them now.