Although to-do lists are essential to getting tasks done, they’re often burdensome and create even more stress. Stop dreading lists each morning and start tackling them. Here are three rules to help you stop procrastinating and start completing your to-do lists: Write them down, break them down and plan them out.

Write them down—If you’ve been using an app or online note taker to make to-do lists, and it works for you, then continue to use it. But, oftentimes using an app or online note taker leads to online distraction. Write down your list on an agenda, calendar or piece of paper for success.

Categorize the lists—Break down your to-do lists to create manageable lists. Categorize by things that need to be done that day, by client or by errand runs. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not cross everything off your list in one day.

Plan out completion—You don’t need to get your to-do list finished by end of the day. Make your list weekly and add to it, if you must, every morning. Prioritize the items on the list and then write down their completion date on a calendar. On Monday, you’ll respond to all your emails. Wednesday, you’ll complete a follow up call. Prioritize and add a completion date.