# The Task That Never Gets Done

By vermavkv on January 28, 2025 • ( 6 )

Something on Your “To-Do List” That Never Gets Done

Daily writing prompt

Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

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Dear friends,

Life is a whirlwind of tasks, priorities, and responsibilities, all neatly scribbled onto our ever-growing to-do lists.

Yet, there always seems to be that one task—sitting quietly, untouched, and perpetually postponed. You know the one.

Perhaps it’s the book you’ve been meaning to read, the call you’ve been meaning to make, or the passion project gathering dust in the corner of your mind.

For me, that elusive task has always been learning a musical instrument. Over the years, I’ve envisioned myself strumming a Mouth Organ and producing soulful melodies.

I’ve imagined the satisfaction of mastering chords, the joy of playing for loved ones, and the catharsis of losing myself in the music.

Yet, this dream remains stubbornly unchecked on my to-do list, not for lack of interest but because of a curious mix of procrastination, fear, and competing priorities.

Why does this happen? Why do some tasks linger indefinitely, no matter how many times we rewrite them on fresh pages?

Let’s delve into the reasons and perhaps, find a way to finally cross them off.

The Allure of “Someday”

One of the biggest culprits is the idea of “someday.” We convince ourselves that there will always be more time in the future—next week, next month, or next year.

But “someday” is a mirage; it never truly arrives. Instead, it becomes a convenient excuse to avoid the discomfort or effort required to tackle the task today.

For me, the thought of finding a music teacher, dedicating regular practice hours, and enduring the initial struggle of learning something new feels daunting. So, I tell myself, “Maybe next month.”

Competing Priorities

Life is busy, and time is finite. When faced with immediate responsibilities—work deadlines, family obligations, or even daily chores—long-term goals often get sidelined.

Tasks without deadlines lack urgency, and as a result, they’re easily bumped to the bottom of the list.

My musical aspirations often lose out to more pressing commitments, like writing blogs, painting, or spending time with family.

Fear of Failure

Sometimes, the root of procrastination lies in fear. What if I’m not good at playing an instrument? What if I start and fail?

This fear of not meeting our own expectations can be paralyzing. It’s easier to leave the task undone and cling to the comforting illusion of potential than to confront the possibility of disappointment.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is closely tied to the fear of failure. We set unrealistically high standards for ourselves, making the task seem insurmountable.

In my case, I’ve often thought, “If I can’t dedicate enough time to become really good at it, what’s the point of starting?” This all-or-nothing mindset can be a significant barrier.

Breaking the Cycle

If you’ve identified that one stubborn task on your own to-do list, take heart. It’s not too late to change the narrative.

Here are some strategies that I’m planning to use, and perhaps you can, too:

Start Small: Instead of aiming to master the instrument, I’ll start with a simple goal—learning one song or practicing for ten minutes a day. Breaking the task into manageable steps makes it less intimidating.
Schedule It: Tasks without deadlines rarely get done. I’ll block time on my calendar specifically for practice sessions. Treating it as an appointment with myself will add a sense of commitment.
Embrace Imperfection: It’s okay to be a beginner. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. I’ll remind myself that the joy of learning lies in the journey, not just the destination.
Revisit Your “Why”: Understanding why the task matters to you can reignite motivation. For me, it’s not just about playing an instrument; it’s about self-expression, creativity, and the sheer joy of music.
Accountability: Sharing your goal with a friend or family member can help. Perhaps I’ll tell my granddaughter about my plan; her encouragement might be just the nudge I need.

The Joy of Completion

Crossing a long-neglected task off your to-do list is one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying pleasures.

It’s a reminder of your ability to overcome inertia and move closer to your dreams. And who knows? Once I finally pick up that guitar or sit at a piano, I might discover a new passion that adds even more joy and fulfillment to my days.

So, what’s that one task on your to-do list that never gets done? Identify it, confront it, and take the first step. You might be surprised by how liberating it feels to finally turn “someday” into today