August 15, 2026

Reader Feedback re: Reminders vs To-dos

Some fun replies to yesterday’s message about referring to tasks as reminders instead of to-dos (shared with permission):

Years ago, my therapist encouraged me to rename my to-do list “I would be thrilled if...”

It simultaneously relieved a great deal of self-imposed pressure and made each it far more of a curious adventure.

Garrick Van Buren

Hi Jonathan,

like this! I’ve been using “Suggestions” as a header for the past couple of months and it’s been working surprisingly well. Feels less like an HR instruction and more personal agency-having adult.

Katharine Rowny

Yep! I love this!

And it makes it easier to push things into tomorrow, if need be.

“Sorry, kid... I actually don’t have time for this today.” =)

Everett Ranni

I often do the phone number part - I put right in the description if I can. It lowers the barrier to getting it done and removes one more small point friction,

Adam White

I really like including the “here’s the vet’s phone number” part.

Whenever I’m adding something to my todo list, I assume that future me if going to be a sleep-deprived idiot, who is in a hurry and have absolutely no memory of what or why I’m doing this.

Conor Pendergrast

It seems I’m not the only one who this sort of approach has occurred to.

Thanks to everyone who replied!

Yours,

—J

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