I think it is fair to say that when we sit down to make a list it serves as a calming activity. The list is created and as we make tick marks next to each item we feel a sense of completion. No longer do we feel like the world is overwhelming because there is a check mark next to: Wake Up. Something has been done today! However, we tend to make lists that go on forever, full of tasks that are not achievable in the minute time frame we make for them. The list that once had a calming effect tends to be a constant reminder of everything that we have to do quantified into one neat and orderly lineup.
Making a checklist is a great way to bring order out of chaos. Writing down everything that needs to be done allows you to focus on the information so that you can begin to accomplish each one. The problem with making a checklist is that we finally get to see everything that needs to be done. Up until then we were able to live in some sort of blissful ignorance tackling projects randomly, not fully recognizing the sheer scope of our obligations. This is where we need to reboot our approach and realize that nothing has changed. The tasks have always been there and, as before, we tackle the list one item at a time.