Making a List, Checking it Twice
to do list (Photo credit: ebby)
I have to tell you that I came into this business of list making kicking and screaming. The idea of itemizing my thoughts felt a little bit like having my wings clipped. Surely an intelligent woman such as myself could manage her day, including a trip to the grocery store, without having to put it on paper. I know, I sound like an idiot, but please bear with me. I’ve since realized it’s because I was going about list-making all wrong. To-do lists, it turns out, are a very specific science.
To-do lists are all about tasks, not goals or projects. Tasks are the steps you need to take to reach the goals and complete the projects. Brain research shows that making your tasks visible increases the probability that the larger job will be completed. Additionally, lists alleviate worry, give direction to large projects, and help organize long-term goals.
And here’s where I’ve struggled in the past. My list, if actually made, contained big-ticket items like finding a new job or cleaning the house. I would take one look at the list, wonder what I should do next, and find myself heading to the couch to take a nap, as the whole process seemed overwhelming. What I needed to be doing was pick my head off the pillow and break these projects into manageable chunks.
So here’s what I’ve learned and what I’d like to pass on to you today — your actual to-do list, the one hanging on your fridge for the day or the week, should only include well thought out tasks designed to move you in the direction of your long-term goals. They should be:
- Small
- Manageable
- Specific
What’s one task you can complete today that will move you in the direction of your dream? I would love to hear all about it!
Love,
Becky
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Posted on January 3, 2013, in Home and tagged creating lists, lists, making to-do lists, mental-health, Project management, Task management, time management, to do list, to-do lists. Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.
Love this blog! You’ve inspired to do a similar post. Do you mind?
Thanks for reading Abrielle! We would be honored
. Please link your blog here for our readers to see 
You’re welcome! Sounds great. Thank you so much…I will.
I am a lover of lists – for life, for chores, for errands, shopping… you name it! In fact, when I have forgotten to make a list & had a productive day, I will sit down & write out a list of all I got done. Just to be able to see it on paper and think, “Atta’ girl!” Maybe I need to apply that thinking to my “life” list too – every now and then taking inventory of the things I have gotten done, putting it down on paper and saying, “Yea me!”.
Truthfully, Tavia, all my current list making is practice for the BIG list, the “life” list as you call it. I love that you give yourself an “Atta girl” from time to time. We all should do that! Thank you for sharing and supporting the blog. I always look forward to reading your thoughtful comments!
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