A Later list can preserve useful intentions, but time changes their meaning. A task may have been overtaken by events, made unnecessary by another decision, or attached to a goal you no longer want.
Review stale work with three questions:
- Does the outcome still matter?
- Is this still the right next step?
- Would I choose it today if it were new?
If the answer is yes, recommit deliberately. If the outcome matters but the step does not, rewrite it. If neither matters, release it.
Sunk-cost research describes our tendency to continue because of what has already been invested. The time an item has occupied your list is not a reason to invest more.
Letting go protects attention for work that still belongs to your life.