#101 — Your To-Do List Is Changing Your Life (And AI Might Be Ruining It) episode artwork

EPISODE · May 13, 2026 · 21 MIN

#101 — Your To-Do List Is Changing Your Life (And AI Might Be Ruining It)

from The Willpower Podcast · host William Mulvaney

Feeling overwhelmed with a million things to do? In this solo episode, we break down the simplest — yet most powerful — fix: a good old-fashioned to-do list. But that's just the start.We also get into something darker — how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude Code are making work insanely fun and stimulating, but might actually be rewiring our brains in ways we're not ready for. Constant dopamine hits, zero friction, six projects at once — sounds great, right? But at what cost?This episode is real, raw, and honestly more of a note to self than anything else. Tune in if you've been feeling scattered, overstimulated, or just want to live and work a little better.0:00 - Intro & Podcast Update 0:46 - Dealing With Overwhelm 1:32 - The Utility Bill Example 2:49 - Why Small Tasks Feel So Big3:08 - The Simple Fix: To-Do Lists 4:12 - How a To-Do List Changes Your Mindset 5:57 - Tips to Make Your To-Do List Better 6:51 - Add Easy Wins to Build Momentum 7:01 - Start With Things Already Done 8:04 - Paper vs Phone for To-Do Lists 9:42 - Why "Doable" is the Key to Motivation 11:05 - Working With AI 12:06 - The Problem With AI Overstimulation 13:40 - Are We Becoming Gods of Creation? 15:13 - The Harm of a Full AI Workflow 16:03 - Sitting With Zero Ideas (The Lost Skill) 17:25 - This is Not Doom & Gloom 18:42 - Schedule Time WITHOUT AI 19:25- How AI Affects the Rest of Your Life 20:58 - Hydration Reminder & Outro🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on willpower, good living, and actually getting your life together.-----------------------------------Hey there! I’m William, and this channel is all about self-control, willpower, and making choices today that lead to a better future, all while enjoying life. If you're looking to build stronger habits, stay motivated, and push through challenges, you're in the right place!📌 Stay Connected:🌍 My website: https://williammulvaney.com/🎙️ Listen to The Willpower Podcast:👉 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-Podcasts👉 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-podcast👉 Amazon Music Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-podcast-Amazon📸 Let’s connect on IG: https://instagram.com/willpower_lifestyleIf you found this video helpful, hit the like button, drop a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe + tap the 🔔 so you never miss an update!#Willpower #SelfControl #BetterHabits

Feeling overwhelmed with a million things to do? In this solo episode, we break down the simplest — yet most powerful — fix: a good old-fashioned to-do list. But that's just the start.We also get into something darker — how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude Code are making work insanely fun and stimulating, but might actually be rewiring our brains in ways we're not ready for. Constant dopamine hits, zero friction, six projects at once — sounds great, right? But at what cost?This episode is real, raw, and honestly more of a note to self than anything else. Tune in if you've been feeling scattered, overstimulated, or just want to live and work a little better.0:00 - Intro & Podcast Update 0:46 - Dealing With Overwhelm 1:32 - The Utility Bill Example 2:49 - Why Small Tasks Feel So Big3:08 - The Simple Fix: To-Do Lists 4:12 - How a To-Do List Changes Your Mindset 5:57 - Tips to Make Your To-Do List Better 6:51 - Add Easy Wins to Build Momentum 7:01 - Start With Things Already Done 8:04 - Paper vs Phone for To-Do Lists 9:42 - Why "Doable" is the Key to Motivation 11:05 - Working With AI 12:06 - The Problem With AI Overstimulation 13:40 - Are We Becoming Gods of Creation? 15:13 - The Harm of a Full AI Workflow 16:03 - Sitting With Zero Ideas (The Lost Skill) 17:25 - This is Not Doom & Gloom 18:42 - Schedule Time WITHOUT AI 19:25- How AI Affects the Rest of Your Life 20:58 - Hydration Reminder & Outro🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on willpower, good living, and actually getting your life together.-----------------------------------Hey there! I’m William, and this channel is all about self-control, willpower, and making choices today that lead to a better future, all while enjoying life. If you're looking to build stronger habits, stay motivated, and push through challenges, you're in the right place!📌 Stay Connected:🌍 My website: https://williammulvaney.com/🎙️ Listen to The Willpower Podcast:👉 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-Podcasts👉 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-podcast👉 Amazon Music Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/willpower-podcast-Amazon📸 Let’s connect on IG: https://instagram.com/willpower_lifestyleIf you found this video helpful, hit the like button, drop a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe + tap the 🔔 so you never miss an update!#Willpower #SelfControl #BetterHabits

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#101 — Your To-Do List Is Changing Your Life (And AI Might Be Ruining It)

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How long is this episode of The Willpower Podcast?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 13, 2026.

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Feeling overwhelmed with a million things to do? In this solo episode, we break down the simplest — yet most powerful — fix: a good old-fashioned to-do list. But that's just the start.We also get into something darker — how AI tools like ChatGPT and...

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