Most people have a To Do list. It is a common method of keeping track of the daily tasks needed to be accomplished for further life development. one of my slogan phrases, “Organization is the key to everything,” relates to keeping track of tasks for completion. But, do you sometimes find that your To Do list grows? Does the list always seem to have more added than removed? Do you sometimes feel boggled down by the items on the list? Then one may question whether the To Do list is a friend or foe?
One of my good friends loves her To Do list. Recently I asked, what is it about the list that you like so much? She stated, “I like crossing things off, it gives me satisfaction.” I have found that this is a similar statement by most people with a To Do list. But, sometimes this friend uses the To Do list as an excuse. I can’t go with you to ________… I have a lot to do and my list is not getting any shorter…I really should catch up on my To Do list…I have so much on my To Do list, it’s really stressing me out! Her To Do list sits on her desk. When she eats breakfast by the computer, browses the internet, or plays computer games; the To Do list is staring her down. Her To Do list is also on her cellular phone. She can access it 24 hours a day, from anywhere; and best yet, she can show it off to others for proof that she has a lot to do. Clearly, her To Do list has become her foe.
So how do we manage our To Do lists? My remedy is by using two mediums for keeping track. For tasks that require immediate attention, I give them immediate attention. There is no time, like the present, to accomplish things that need to be completed. Procrastination is anyone’s enemy; and it should not be in one’s vocabulary. Tasks which are recommended for completion–mowing the lawn, cleaning out the garage, washing the car, buying a wedding gift; I place on my weekly calendar, one event per day, randomly. This means, I don’t assign a certain task for certain days, I merely start with the first item that comes to mind, and I plan to do it on Monday. Weather permitting, I fulfill the task. If I cannot complete the task, it goes on the list for the following Monday. Also, I do not write the list down and place it in many rooms in my home. I also do not use sticky notes; as they are a waste to the environment. I use my cellular phone to keep track of my items to do. Furthermore, I find it important to think that the items on the To Do list are suggestions. If a friend wants to get together for dinner, or a show I really want to see is coming up at the local theatre, or I just need some time with the significant other; the To Do list is always my back-up plan, my last resort.
The second piece of advice which I find very helpful; after writing your task down on the To Do list, don’t think about it. What is the point of having a To Do list, if you are going to think about it on a daily basis? We write things down so that we don’t have to think about them anymore, but so that we can refer back to when the information is needed. Also remember, everyone has a To Do list. We all have tasks needed for completion, and sometimes we can find a friend or two to complete tasks with; because the items are also on their lists. Make an outing with your To Do lists.
To Do lists can really get us into trouble. Deadlines for completion are important, but remember, so is your daily life. Living in the moment is less stressful than attempting to complete items on a To Do list which are difficult. I often recommend that people learn to live simply, in that allow yourself the opportunity to become organized with a To Do list; but don’t allow the To Do list to organize you.
