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?
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!"
ReplyDeleteBut 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.
ReplyDelete