The Art of the List

Are you a list maker? One of my sweet friends is an expert list maker. I envy her. I am not a natural at it. I go through phases where I make lists and others where I am flying by the seat of my pants.

This morning I found myself at a crossroads. I have so many little tasks that need to be done that I find myself overwhelmed. I've found that the only way to really get started is to start making lists. So this morning I sat down and started going through the house room by room, mentally not figuratively. As I pictured each room I listed the tasks that needed to be done. As I type this I even think of items I overlooked and need to add to my lists. I used to feel like I needed to complete the list all in one day. I've gotten easier on myself and now only pressure myself to get a few things done. If I get even one accomplished it is a good day. Seriously, if I didn't make the list I probably wouldn't get anything done! I'd be frozen, overwhelmed by life.

A few years ago after one of our moves, I found myself so overwhelmed that I was lucky if I got one box unpacked a day. I'd look at the sea of boxes and pick up a book and pretend it all didn't exist. Lucky for me I have a great spouse who figured out how to help me. He'd unpack the boxes and get them out of the room. So that all I had to deal with was individual items. I was much better at putting everything away when I could see it all out in the open. Putting away small items was much more do-able than attacking these big boxes!

What's on your to do list for 2011? Want to lose weight, eat right, excersize? Make a list of small goals. For the week or for the day even. It's too much to think you can change everything overnight. That's why so many of our resolutions get thrown away by the end of January if not sooner. One goal I have is to feed my guys better. I'll be making yet another list of meals for the week. I'll then make my grocery list. When I hear, "What's for supper?" I'll have an answer. Instead of my often used, "I haven't decided yet!"

I keep my list in a notebook. I can then refer back to the previous pages and see what needs to be done yet. When I just can't seem to light a fire under myself I'll look at it and pick a task that seems manageable.

What do you want to change about your life? Pick up a notebook and make your list. What can you do to reach your goal? To complete your tasks? To overcome your lethargy? Small goals. Small steps. A more fulfilled life.