My To-Do List Philosophy

[@LeonardoDaVinci01]

The organizational level of this dude’s life is fascinating

[@artieshell9205]

I’m assuming you’ve seen his brother’s 1,000 videos?

[@LeonardoDaVinci01]

Yeah, Casey also man.. something in their genes makes them PEAK organizers

[@Rezin_8]

Disciplined upbringing will do it 🤘🧐

[@artieshell9205]

@@lotecque Casey Neistat. The most popular, famous, and watched KZbinr of all time. Enjoy that rabbit hole. 😆

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

@@Rezin_8 Actually, working for Tom Sachs did it…..

[@MattBoltonMusic]

Every to-do list I start with 1) Make To-Do List. It was on an episode of the Simpsons where they show Homer’s list and it was listed first “make to do list”. I’ve written that every time since. It also sets you off on the right foot. One thing done as soon as you finish writing it. Getting something done begets getting more things done. Thanks for the great videos Van.

[@andyorlov4023]

What an elegant trick! I like that

[@sasha_nivar]

Love this❤️

[@mcd5478]

Ha! Love!

[@Dennis-ud2nh]

Reminds me of the "5-minute rule" used to break procrastination. It helped me get a university degree despite having ADHD.

[@noitesdevento]

@@Dennis-ud2nh can you elaborate that rule please?

[@gabs1726]

doing nothing is underrated, super scary and so vital for us to be happy

[@devonallie]

My to-do list philosophy has gone through many changes over the years. Hours of my life have been spent (but not wasted) on elaborate systems to sync, back-up, and present. All the overhead led to anxiety to get things done and to have it all managed. The only way out of the tyranny of to-do was just pen and paper. A cheap pen from staples and a ringed notebook I got from my mom's office. No subscription fee, no passwords, just a direct connection from my mind to the paper.

[@abdultheoneandonly6503]

Can you tell me more about your approach

[@TheNewTravel]

Your organization style is very inspiring. I'm reorganizing my home office right now and often asking myself "what would van do?"

[@mason_mac]

what kind of decisions has van influenced?

[@TheNewTravel]

@@mason_mac messy handwritten labels on everything

[@mason_mac]

I’ve been dating my toothbrush and paste

[@thefeedbackdump6851]

V³D = "Vhat Vould Van Do"

[@johnellis1952]

As soon as you said you went to look for your binder archive of 'to do' lists......I knew this topic was not going to be THIN. At times like this your influence on Casey becomes really clear. Amazing.

[@IchibanMoto]

thanks Van, this is awesome! my current lists just fuel procrastination . it's like i have a list of things i don't feel like doing now and a list of things i won't feel like doing later

[@floriangrand4603]

Hemingway once used a similar analogy in his memoir from Paris. He said (I'm poorly paraphrasing) that he would stop writing for the day when there was still a little bit of water left in his well of creativity, and he knew what he wanted to start with the next day. That is something we creatives have to learn, to keep a bit of water in our wells at all times so they never completely run dry. I wish you a good and fruitful rest period, and that you may come back with a well rich and full to the brim with new energy.

[@ricardosabatino3172]

Man this one hits home. I've kept notebooks on me that I used to constantly fill with fleeting thoughts, which later became project, which always led me in this self fulfilling prophecy of finding joy in what I did... but then it stopped, and I felt like writing stuff down was just a torture reminding me of what I'm not doing now. I burned out bad and it's taking me years to claw myself back to journaling like that. Thank you for the video

[@ansonthomas5804]

100% agree, loved this video. So organizational. Just ordered filler paper and binder to do what Van does. Great organizational skills! Have to wake up at 4:30am. But sitting here at 11:28pm, watching all of Van's videos!!!!

[@jbratt]

Working for yourself is almost impossible without a “do list”. It’s mainly because I forget what needs to be done and my ADD will kick in. The big bonus is the feeling of accomplishment when crossing off an item.

[@patrickbarry4029]

😮😊

[@Wolvesintheclearing]

I just discovered your channel this week. Now I’m watching a lot of your videos every day taking it all in. My husband and I live in my list filled world. This spirited woman completely gets this!!! Keep em coming!!!

[@ScottyCo]

I always find myself procrastinating on that one thing at the bottom of my to do list. But to turn your brain off and trust what you wrote and the intention behind it, that hits home for me.

[@impulsesystems]

'Enjoy all of the above.' So many people don't get that far, before they run out of money; or worse, time. Thanks for keeping it real and reminding me why I am here. Saludos from México!

[@hariprasadm]

Made my folder now and have started using it. Been following your videos for maybe 5-6 months now. And yet this is my first comment. Maybe because, for once I did not stop with just watching the content, but actually used it to do something. Thanks Van.

[@donahuerules]

The spirited man's perspective. Has manifested itself on KZbin as my mentor, my mental health quick charger, my advisor, my philosopher. The spirited man, is a guide to this spirited man.

[@tylerquarles]

"Enjoy all of the above" - so profound. Thank you. I will be utilizing this each and everyday!

[@chuckroth4224]

I am sure we are brothers from another mother. This video hits home so much for me. I get caught up in the list also and forget to be creative. Getting away and unplugging, (to a point) will spark that creative flow again. Travel does that for me and I am guessing you also. Enjoy you travels my freind and always keep creating!

[@furg]

Last year I burnt out on to-do lists. I had one for work, one for home, one for creative projects, one for life/account management, one for books/movies, one on my desk, one on my fridge, FOUR on my phone, and piles of "wasgonnas" in strategic places in my home. There's something about WFH that crossed the line, bringing work methodologies into the household that corrupted my resting space. It peaked as I learned about the "Don't-do list" that some entrepreneurs use for deciding brand/ROI viability or delegation...which is one great alternative. Since I like inventing things, I came up with my own: the PURGE LIST. On which I inverted the to-do list approach to cold-heartedly Delete things from my life that weren't adding value, and Complete the ones that were - while refusing to add anything new until I was through it. What a godsend that was.💎💎💎

[@laserdummy]

Man, there is so much... wisdom in this video. I love the idea you can actually keep systems for something so messy as... being alive.

[@parasocialbondsmetaswvoits9078]

I must say, the timing on this video is perfect. Exploration on productivity mechanisms and note-taking systems is a very powerfull trend right now, very usefull too. It was a pleasure to hear what the Spirited Man has to say on that regard. Thank you very much!

[@idleofwight]

4:25 he’s talking about the still small voice from Elijah’s experience.

[@RobertPlank]

I loved this video! It made me realize a few interesting things about do lists. First, our creativity can get drowned out when we focus too much on tasks, which can lead to burnout. Taking breaks is just as important as checking off items. Second, listening to that quiet voice in our heads can be a game changer for how we tackle our projects. It’s like our inner guide knows what we really need to do. Lastly, making time for fun and relaxation should always be on our lists too. It’s about finding balance! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@nicodu74]

Hi Van ! Not related to this video especially but I just want to thanks you because your videos in opposite of thousands of videos on KZbin give me the will to take actions. Yesterday the kettle was not working anymore, I was browsing for an other one on Amazon and today I thought "What If I repair it ?". I took it appart, rewired the cable inside and it works again now. Thanks for your great work !

[@whadafunk]

Agreed, sometimes your just knocking things off the list that you forget to even enjoy the things that you’re doing on that list

[@mightymayray1314]

Thanks for the transparency, honesty and genuine nature of your videos as always Van. Your art is medicine for the world.

[@quincymb8576]

Former list addict here. Lists tend to be made in excess while excessively caffeinated, but they take their toll on you when, if at bedtime, you realize you haven't checked anything off the list that night. But highly caffeinated days when you check off 5 or more? And you add 10 more todos? It keeps the cycle going.

[@marcel1372]

I would love to hear some ideas on organizing your personal archive, whether that be years of digital photos hoarded on phones and drives or folders of miscellaneous paper scraps. Great video as always. Might try doing this instead of notepads (real & digital)

[@alexcornofficial]

Great idea! Nice to see how Van stores his digital footage

[@cupbowlspoonforkknif]

OMG please tell me how to get rid of the 100's of scraps of paper filled with random ideas!

[@LiamHarrisCoach]

Look up Zettelkasten

[@helenebennie3961]

Can you categorise them? I have started to categorise my life into 4 main categories - God (includes church), Family (includes home and garden), Me (includes health and hobbies) and Beyond (includes work, study and other organisations.)

[@Crazyibbes]

at min 6:45, Just that, that is exactly what's happening here, it also turn the spot light on the importance of reviewing our scribbles every now and then . Many thanks Van

[@patrigate]

I've just watched two videos from you and this is an absolute masterpiece. You are probably the most unique person I know.

[@marcopruefer]

wow the change of the theme with becoming so personal at the end was 1. incredible storytelling and 2. super personal to me, because I currently feel the same amount of exhaustion in my life right now after being my own boss for the last 8 years and just working my a$$ off…i totally feel you so thanks for putting this out and putting your breaks on the top of your lists!

[@SeekersofUnity]

Imma put watching this fabulous video on my to-do list.

[@rafblum]

jesteście piękni, uśmiechnięci z pozytywną energią. Najlepsza reprezentacja po za granicami kraju. ❤

[@newbietubie]

This video is so informative and relatable. Thank you for creating and sharing this with the world!

[@cymbolic_space1832]

this week off that i have for Christmas, i sort of intuitively decided not to do any "work" unless it just happened. I am a part time artist, full time employee at a denture clinic. Taking this Christmas off just to hang out with family and friends, try still water flyfishing tactics at the lake, read, just bum around, has been so essential. the hardest part is not to judge myself or think i am being lazy. god bless all you spirited men out there!

[@nikolastoymenov209]

Never stop posting videos.. We have so much to learn from you!

[@anonedu]

Dear Van I am taking the time to watch all your videos. I find them very entrataining and at the same time I can ididentify mayself with the things you present to us. Keep them up. I enjoy every detial that you put into each video. I love the way you do things simple but at the same time complex. You do not sell us expensive stuff or super high price cameras etc. You feel normal brother !! Keep'em comming. Best regards from Uruguay/South America.

[@CodyRArcher]

Your mind works in such a unique way. I’m sure you recognize that you have a different way of doing things but it is interesting none the less

[@catherineh8260]

As I watched this video, I realised that I have been doing the same thing with my to do lists that I used to do with my work emails. I had an ever-increasing number of folders and sub-folders in Todoist, which stressed me out when I created a new to do task that didn't fit neatly into an existing category. So yesterday, I deleted all my completed tasks and all the folders, created labels for a few broad categories and labelled my outstanding tasks. Thank you for opening my eyes to a better to do list process.

[@0815dude]

Never saw anyone else inspire me as much as you. And I don't think I'm the only one saying that

[@mikefulli]

I use calendar for things that are inflexible in time and list of tasks for things that are flexible in time or space. I try to get tasks out of my head into list so I can choose where is put my focus without fear that I forget something.

[@robthequietoriginal]

I was looking for this video and I finally found it after looking for several days. Thank you for making it.

[@RasKitchen]

I need to do a trip with no camera gear, labtop, surfboard or skateboard and see how free it feels...thanks for the tips!

[@otter-pro]

@02:21 As soon as he reached out to get his old binder of to-do list, I knew I was in for a treat. Those binders should end up in a museum someday... as an in-depth look of an artist's life in history.

[@tgwilber]

I loved this and it make complete sense to me. Do away with apps and docs, pen to paper like we were meant to be. I went out to Staples and got myself all set up, had to redo the post-its cause I started the wrong way. Started using it all week, trying to remember to bring it from pants to pants. The week went great, i wrote down ideas, tasks, building out my shopping list, beginning to put my whole life in this little cardboard stock paper.. Pumped to use it the next week. On laundry day I opened my dryer and wondered how did a paper ball get put in there? oh ohh. ya. Maybe just diversity.

[@barnabyvonrudal1]

Do you only have one piece of stock paper at a time? And you keep the current one in your pocket?

[@prescottmccarthy]

Thank you spirited man, for sharing your life’s perspective.

[@user-gh5dq5hr6t]

thanks for not rushing

[@carsonbooth5474]

I was feeling burnt out by my do-lists today, namely, that crossing off one item seems to create 5 more, like some perverse hydra of never ending work, with the goal (or completed task) continually receding into the distance. After this video, things seem a little more achievable. Thank you, Van.

[@johncook6731]

The reward for good work is more work

[@canadude6401]

I have often thought about people who retire and die shortly after. Aside from a decline of activity, poor eating habits and old age, I believe that some who long for the day to retire leads to losing purpose for their lives. I have never uttered the words "I'm bored". I have had to-do lists since I was at least 12 years old and they keep my fuel burning. Of course it can be exhausting every once in a while when you have 30 tasks on the list, and you happily scratch one task of the list only to quickly add a new task to it. But I think a sense of accomplishment is a primary driving force for many of us. It's our true purpose of life to do at least one thing in a day that makes it a world worth living in.

[@ImissSaganCarl]

An absolutely well done video and spot on. That's my problem too. In fact, even I have noticed that too much of my creativity comes from my to do lists. It's not good for sure. In fact even I have to do lists to that (your) level except they are a combination of paper and digital.

[@bridgersgone]

just found your channel a few days ago, ive been hooked ever since.

[@JustLukeMorgan]

This was so insightful and honestly needed, as someone who works on their productivity every day.

[@justinchamberlain3443]

4:20 that quiet voice that we often ignore... keeping that list has caused me to value that voice more wherever it comes from 4:45 you just don't want to do it but you just turn your mind off and begin to move your body in the task 5:30 the list becomes my boss;

[@4runnertowchain]

This is so amazing. Thank you Van. I truly enjoy your introspection.

[@DottyDelightful]

Oh my stars and garters this is a life changer for me and my weird brain!! Thank you so much for this, it’s totally going to help me so much

[@adamnicholzz]

Thanks for the input Van, love the work you're doing!

[@adamnicholzz]

Sometimes sleep is my best friend, but also my worst enemy! You're an inspiration!!!

[@havefunbesafe]

It took 1 hour 40 minutes to finish this video because I notice you had a Chomsky film reference on your ToDo list which I just finished watching and it was incredible. Thanks Van. Is the Man who is Tall, Happy? Perhaps.

[@1sachiara]

i am a productivity nerd. and been using all these app for like a decade. i am switching to the exact same analog system, right now. thank you van

[@anytime-anyplace]

I find you before few days and wach a lot episodes, I like you are doing everything In different and more detail. Bravo 👏

[@jamesdowd2756]

I start watching the video thinking I know where this is going, "Here's how to create an effective To To List and then you want to blah blah.....". Clearly I didn't know where this was going. "Take a break. Go to Mexico. Enjoy all of the above." Thank you Mr. N. You reminded me that my To Do List isn't my priority, but "enjoy all of the above" is.

[@stevewrightinca]

Another great video. I think “rest” is way underrated in our doing/having obsessed culture. To be “spirited” is more about being, yes? I hope you find a good rhythm of work and rest, repairing and replenishing.

[@PabloVazquez]

Enjoy all of the above. What a line. Thank you

[@Mcm4]

The Red Shoes is a perfect movie. Start to finish.

[@TheMrchuck2000]

Yep. All those Powell & Pressberger films are works of art! Try “A Matter of Life and Death”. It’s gorgeous.

[@bkbinj6320]

"Enjoy all of the above." Excellent advice.

[@PlannerUK]

Fascinating viewing. And I loved seeing your system and hearing your thoughts! I have to have a bound planner though to write all of these things in. I would be scared of losing a valuable post in note! Thank you

[@LukeRichert]

The eternal struggle is that balance of the time spent filling the well and time spent pumping

[@bruh-hp3hu]

Take care Van. We'll get through this.

[@pepejjgl]

Yes in fact that "to do list" put us in "Do it" and every step is to create something new that generates another task. Tnx Man

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Allowing the rain to fill the aquifer and going to Mexico - this is synonymous for me too. Love Jennie

[@Lionking65]

Brilliant - inspiring - whilst watching - not even sure what happens in the end - thanks

[@unodospizza]

A good friend of mine whom I once told that I wish to do nothing for some time asked me the question "what is it that you do when you feel that you are doing nothing?"

[@pat_makes_stuff]

Since I am watching this in December: Van, I hope you are enjoying some well deserved off time in Mexico right now 🙂

[@ana1121mia]

I needed this today Van, thank you!

[@TentoesMe]

One summer I found myself stuck for something to do. So I spent the summer playing with my spirited tots. That was a great summer. Don't miss out.

[@anderswallin1531]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts of getting tired and stuff, really talked to me!! Merry Christmas and enjoy your rest!

[@andrewmarcfit6447]

stumbled upon your channel @ 1 am trying to change my life , this channel is so unique and awesome, hope to see you around mexico

[@Insightfulpath]

Van, I admire you for your process, and attention to that. As a budding KZbinr, I'm so inspired by your authenticity. Take the time you need to re-charge, your work is making an impact on the world - and people are inspired.

[@benk3654]

The first sentence of this video is the highest thing I have ever heard, and I live in Colorado!

[@lolmandood]

Van you are an inspiration and a motivator for me. I love your work and look forward to every video you post. Hopefully soon I will be able to afford your Patreon. Keep up the good work.

[@mohammadone]

I don’t know how to put this , ive been spirited all my life without knowing people , ive been writing like this , organizing stuff without meaning just to satisfy myself and knolling & Thinking about life and objectives , ruining it to the extinction like every spirited being before finding him/her self , all i know is van and tom made me know my values , thank you and I can’t repay your help . It’s much and real . From a citizen of a true contemporary dictatorship who held it’s people hostage 🇮🇷

[@terryprevatt]

I actually make quadrants or squares on my iPad (Notes app). I make a title or topic on the top of each square and the actions underneath in that same square. I then cross them out as their completed. Nice video. Thanks.

[@ACoustaDC]

Thank goodness you posted, I was ............. ............................ .............................. WAITING!

[@user-gh5dq5hr6t]

thanks van. youre amazing

[@icekura]

thank you spirited man!

[@youngjuggler]

You are special. I knew this would be a valuable watch.

[@carsoncass8828]

These videos are awesome Van!

[@TheCanadianBubba]

The effort in going back to do things from not having a list takes an increasing amount of my time as we roll on. Best days to you and yours Van.

[@FJLC93]

I’m glad you made this video. I’m obsessed with keeping my lists and finishing projects, but it also feels like I can never stop adding to the list. I recently spoke to a friend that doesn’t suffer from a list-making affliction about my “Nothing to-do list” - the list I keep of things I want to do eventually but are not productive. I can only work on that list when I’ve run out of projects. Here’s hoping my well runs dry soon too.

[@jeremyhennessee6604]

Lee, do you experience temporal lobe epilepsy/hypergraphia sir?

[@HurricaneRonnie]

Van I really loved this..We have a lot in common. I make my list in a 3 year planner and write everything in the calendar blocks and highlight the completed task. I use posted if im away from planner then post them in the planner when I get to it. I really loved this video

[@colbycalabrese8417]

Such a great film about the organizational systems I myself am developing but haven't put into words

[@fuzzy76]

The conclusion to this video reminds me of the poem "Love after love" by Derek Walcott, which ends with "Sit. Feast on your life". I actually think I need that as a tattoo. To remind me not to get swept away by busyness.

[@elianamano]

I wish I had a log of all of my “do” lists! I loved this film and appreciate your system so much! You will make it to Mexico and enjoy your break

[@roktiw]

Van, thank you for this episode!

[@kinanchabani7494]

Love your videos and all the advice and education you’ve giving me

[@hectorjimenez742]

hey thats actually a cool little trick... I am horrible with names and having this in my backpocket would be cool! I am gonna give this a shot!

[@CristinaFilms]

What a great video! I am inspired, I will try this technique!! Loving it! Thank you for making!!

[@Rezin_8]

Van the Man! I love this one ⚠️🤣❤❤❤❤❤ Your gift of story telling and perspective is so comforting to watch.....thank you for your time ♻️🌐🪄🙏 In our outpatient Therapeutic Community, we called these "plans of action" such a healthy way to approach tasks 🤘

[@jalvapic]

Go on some holiday, Van, December is a long way still. The Marble Machine project stopped for summer holidays every year. The Project Kamp channel closed for the whole winter. We were all waiting for them to come back, and it was ok. Go get some rest. Fill up the well. We'll be here.

[@HunterMann]

I had a mini revolution a few years ago. On January 1st of the new year I composed this pos-it note: To Do List 1. Stop making to do lists. It’s very very liberating to stop over taxing myself, it’s almost as though we become adults doing what some people do to their kids, over scheduling their lives to where they have no free time and no time to recuperate. We end up having busy days and busy sleep no wonder we feel so exhausted. Another personal revolution for me was… Working in the motion picture industry, over the past three decades that most of the millionaire producers that I worked for were very stressed out, unhappy people, suffering from the effects of two or three failed marriages and a real disconnect with most of their friends and family. True they had great riches but they were impoverished when it came to freedom and lack of inner peace. It was then that I decided that I did not want to pursue financial riches. Instead I decided to pursue wealth. There’s a huge difference between being rich and being wealthy. I think the richest I ever achieved was nearly 200,000 a year, and it was truly the most stressful time of my life, I was only getting three hours sleep a night and only had a few days off per year. It was destructive to my relationship with my girlfriend, when I did have sleep time I would have near-insomnia, it was certainly not good for my physical health. I was consuming copious amounts of caffeine, and if you can imagine… Like 320 days in a row of eating breakfast and lunch from a movie production catering truck and then usually in the evenings going out and inhaling a big sushi meal and then getting another three or four hour nap before the next day is long work. So that was riches, pretty miserable huh? So I left that behind for a few months, caught up on sleep it a lot healthier, cut down on caffeine, in fact I only have coffee if I haven’t had a full night of sleep. And then I began to really experience true wealth and that was to have more free time make less to do lists, and I retreated to a small tropical beach town near the equator. I live very well for $150 a month eating fresh fish from the sea, tropical fruit grow nearby and I was living in a little grass hot on the beach, no electricity so after sunset it was basically reading for a little while by candlelight and then going to sleep getting a really good nights sleep and waking up at sunrise without an alarm clock in without a schedule of what I had to do the next day. I shower with something a green garden hose tied to a palm tree outside, it was truly a wealthy lifestyle and I think I need to start doing that for myself for about three months of every year. It’s not really a vacation, it’s just unplugging, I help a few local villagers fishing and split the catch with them that’s how I get my protein for my big meal of the day, it’s sort of like ending up on a deserted tropical island but you’re there by choice, not shipwrecked. Sorry for the typos in the long rambling, I’m not a content creator so I guess I just do my creating here in the comment section, and thankful for the generous invitation to do so by Van… our resident genius.

[@ifinallyfoundajobformoz]

Is this copypasta?

[@oaftobar]

Damn dude, I was just tossing the post-its when I finished and letting the cardstock fall apart over time. Now i've gotta get a bunch of binders hahaha

[@joe.redston]

While this might not be one of your most creative episodes, for me, it was one of the most profound ... thanks [as usual].