Ever the list and schedule-lovin'
I finally figured out that I haven't been making regular to-do lists. Sure, I have all kinds of chores and plans in my head. But it seems that unless I have it written down right in front of me, it's difficult for me to stay on task and therefore be more productive.
So I'm starting the new year off with a to-do list for each day. At least for every weekday.
These lists are not long. I love crossing things off lists so I have to keep my to-do lists pretty realistic so I don't get discouraged. I generally keep my daily to-do lists to 5 chores or less. That seems about right for my days and activity level. Some days may be less and some days a few more. Five seems to be a pretty good average for me.
My 5 chores do not include all the tasks in my morning routine or meal preparation. Rather, it's things that I may do once a week, phone calls or appointments to be made, etc.
My to-do list looks like this today:
- 2 loads laundry
- clean kitchen
- clean bathroom
- sewing project-alterations for friend
- 15 minutes decluttering in office
Being realistic with my to-do lists helps me to stay focused and be productive! That, my friends, is a very good thing!
What about you? Do you like making to-do lists? How do you stay focused and productive throughout your day?
4 comments:
i can't function without a to-deo list. and i tend to put too much on mine. i'm always optimistic that i can get a whole lot done. i'm finally getting a handle on what i can and can't accomplish in a day.
I am the ultimate list maker Mary Ann! My methods change all the time, however. Right now I am using a planner I bought at Dollar General. It has a week at a time on two open pages. There is room to write down things to do each day and a place for notes. But I make a big to do list on Friday night to be done that weekend. Like Gail, I put way too much on there and hardly ever finish it.
I also have lists of things that need to be done in certain rooms, lists of things that need to be done weekly, twice a month, monthly, quarterly, etc. I also have a list of all the areas of my life that need attention..... Yikes, too many lists! :o)
Why, yes! To paraphrase Veggie Tales, "I love my Lists!"
But you already knew that! lol
Here's another list:
*I'm with Gail and Debbie--very optimistic about the to-do list, but baby feeding and discipling my kids seem to get in the way of getting everything on my list done.
*Its not just about the to-do list, there is the Google calendar, and the grocery saving spreadsheet, menu's....
*I find that consistently putting an item on the list helps me develop a habit, like my Saturday night list: bathes, clipping fingernails, laying out church clothes, packing the diaper bag, getting Sunday dinner ready,etc. Maybe someday I will do all these without having to do a list.
And lest you think I can't spell, its baths....not bathes.
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