The Frustration List: Your Weekly Routine to Reduce Stress and Increase Focus

I was introduced to the Frustration List by Ben Meer of System Sundays, and I found it to be an interesting concept. In our busy daily lives, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant stream of small issues that demand our attention, diverting us from our primary goals.

Cue The Frustration List.

The concept itself is quite simple and highly attainable. It involves maintaining an ongoing list of bothersome tasks and dedicating a specific time each week to address some of these items. This method reminded me of the "Issues List" discussed in Gino Wickman's book, "Traction." The primary purpose of an issues list is to ensure that no challenges or opportunities within an organization go unnoticed and that they are systematically addressed.

By creating a Frustration List, you not only prevent these nagging issues from getting lost in the chaos of daily life, but you also experience a sense of relief and accomplishment as you gradually tackle and resolve them. Frustration List items typically consist of minor yet irritating tasks, such as repairing visible wall damage, fixing wobbly toilet paper holders, hanging that picture that's been leaning against the wall for weeks, renewing your passport, sending a long-delayed card, writing that pending email, acquiring a new laptop charger because the old one is finicky, or decluttering your pantry – the list goes on. Essentially, anything that saps your energy and takes up valuable mental space can find a place on this list.

Here's How it Works:

There are only 2 steps:

1. Schedule a 60-minute weekly calendar event for tackling your Frustration List. I suggest choosing a time when you'll be at home and focused, like a weekend morning.
2. Decide where you will maintain your list. Digital can allow for on the go additions. I have used both the Notes app on my phone and have recently transferred it to Obsidian across all of my devices.

Four steps to maintain the system (in Ben's words):

That's it. A simple yet trusted system to masterfully handle chaos and bring order to your life and home.

Bringing it Home:

Give this tactic a try and see how it goes. Taking this crucial step can help you become more skilled at handling chaos, which is a superpower in itself.