Making A To Do List

I'm Finally Doing It...

I'm making a "To-Do" list. I have been putting it off since August;  not sure why because I used to be tied and bound to these lists. Like I literally couldn't function without one. In fact, at the beginning of each school year (I teach high school) I looked forward to buying a brand new notebook where I'd keep said lists. Most often the lists consisted of work related tasks, every here and there sprinkled in were things related to my personal life. Generally speaking, though, the existence of the list seemed to be a representation of my work life. Page after page, the more I could put on the list...and then cross off...the more successful I felt as a human being. 

And then this year, I changed my attitude and my approach at work. I decided that my time outside of work was too precious to be burdened with the constant worry of what I needed to get done on the job site so I ditched the "To-Do" list. Not only did I stop making to-do lists with work responsibilities, I stopped making them AT ALL. I was determined to mentally retain the long list of things I needed to complete. Every now and then I'd jot down a reminder to order something or make an appointment for one of the kids but generally speaking, it was all in my head. And I was doing pretty good too, I forgot some things but I was overall impressed with myself. The burden of constant task completion had been lifted and I was getting by by just winging it.

Why Now?

Why did I decide to make another "To-Do" list? I realized that  although I'm a doer and am very task oriented, I'm also a procrastinator. I was able to keep up with most things but some of the "To-Dos" were just floating around in my head, never getting done and forever lingering. These were the things I wasn't really motivated to do or that didn't need to be done immediately (things like ordering pictures, framing pictures, backing up my computer, cleaning the garage, making a dr. appointment).  Additionally, I started setting some more goals for myself and I believe that the first step to reaching your goal is to WRITE THEM DOWN! 

So now I have a short manageable "To-Do" list for my personal life,  a short list of goals (really just a draft because I'm updating, revamping and reprioritizing them before write them down FOR REAL). I'm still struggling with the work "To-Do" list.  I write down deadlines and appointments and occasionally notes from a phone call but overall,  checking stuff off a list does not increase my value or self-worth so I don't feel like writing everything down.  As someone that has historically thrived on her "To-Do" list,  I've come to the realization that I don't need to cross tasks off a list to feel good about myself.  It doesn't mean I'm working harder or I'm more accomplished.  

So What's On My List?

1. Get the granddaughters' school pictures in frames.
2. Order MORE school pictures to send to family.
3. Order a photo book for Kayva that is all about her Momma.  
4. Back up my computer (I know, that should've been done already).
5. Paint my nails.
6. Read.
7. Learn a new Zumba routine.
8. Clean the garage (with the help of my fantastically strong husband).
9. Organize my art studio. 
10. And lastly....finalize that list of goals, write them down and GET BUSY!

It was nice to take a break, it helped me step back and relax. I enjoy life more, my job doesn't totally consume me and surprisingly, I feel just as successful. 

Do you live by a list or do you just wing it? I want to know!