Track: Permission to Externalize Mental Load

Why Track Matters

The Problem

You wake up at 3am thinking, “I forgot to email Sarah.” You avoid looking at your todo list because it’s a laundry list of shame. You constantly scan your mental horizon for dropping balls.

This is Mental Load. It consumes energy even when you aren’t working.

The Solution (Reframed)

Tracking isn’t about getting more done. It’s about knowing what you are not doing so you don’t have to worry about it.

The goal is Trust. Trust that your system has it, so your brain doesn’t have to.

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Level 0: Discover Your Need

Signs You Need This Pillar

• You have sticky notes everywhere.
• You make commitments and immediately regret them.
• You operate in “reactive mode” all day.

What Permission Looks Like

Permission looks like writing down a task and assigning it a due date for next week, then completely forgetting about it until then.

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Level 1: Foundational Practice

Goal

A “Daily Review” that takes less than 5 minutes.

Core Skill: Scan & Select

1. Scan your inbox/calendar.
2. Select 3 things for today.
3. Defer the rest.

Implementation: The List

Digital:

• Todoist / Things / Microsoft To Do

Analog:

• Bullet Journal (Rapid Logging).

The Rule: Your list is a menu, not a mandate. You are allowed to order differently if your appetite changes.

Success Metrics

• You sleep through the night.
• You trust your list enough to look at it.