Love it, So List it!

Start with whatever you have... Notepad, Notebook, Plain Paper

Hey beautiful! I want to encourage you to get some things done. You know, those things you've been saying you'll do but can't seem to get around to. Or those things you just keep forgetting. Create a list! It is so hard to do all the things but it's even harder to REMEMBER all the things! If you can relate then I believe that I may have some help for you. Brain Dump! This is another name I call my master TO-Do List. The purpose of creating a list is to organize the things that need to get done. I do suggest that you start by creating a master list of all of the things that you want to get done, you need to get done, and that must be done. When all these things come to mind add them to your master To-Do list or your Brain Dump. Just do it right away. This list needs to be easily accessible. Put it in your planner if you like pen and paper like me. Get an app on your phone like To-Do List, To Do-ist, or Microsoft To-Do. What is most important is that you use the method that is best and easiest for you. Use anything you have to get started. Notebook, note pad, plain paper, etc. Just start. Don't let perfectionism set in, that'll just cause you to procrastinate. Perfectionism and procrastination are the main reasons many of us have trouble getting things done. Whatever you have is perfectly fine. Starting is what is most important.

After you have made your master-list you should categorize the tasks by "Home" and "Work". Then you can break down the list for Home by each room so the tasks are clear. It also helps prevent tasks from being overwhelming. As you organize the list into these categories you'll be better able to identify what needs to get done TODAY, THIS WEEK, THIS MONTH, even later in the year. Also, when you can accomplish some tasks. Such as, at work, after work, on the weekend, and so on. Be sure to set a deadline. This will help keep you from procrastinating. Estimate how long they are going to take to accomplish. So if you know how long the items take that you have on the list, or how long you're going to allot for those things, then it is more likely that you can conquer them. If you need someone's help to get it done, find out when are they available or able to finish their portion. It'll also help you to create some urgency and aid you with time management. You can highlight items that need to be taken care of right away or simply put a star next to them. Just something to help you identify that this is an item that needs to be taken care of right away. When you make your daily to-do list select the starred/highlighted items first, based on their priority.

It is helpful if you name the items as tasks, not as thoughts. At work, don't simply state "email", write on your list "email Denise about new hire". If you need to clean the kitchen you shouldn't just list "clean the kitchen" or "kitchen" on your daily to-do list. It is okay for your master list, but not on today's to-do list. Items that are listed too vaguely are usually overlooked. The lack of clarity is discouraging and promotes procrastination. Try stating "empty dishwasher","clean the counters," "clean the stove," "throw out expired food from the pantry". Whatever it is that you need to get done in the kitchen, you can break down the items by detailing it. Also, you need to figure out how long it'll take you to complete these tasks or how long you'll dedicate to completing them. You don't want to create a list of things that goes on and on and on. You can do all the things, but not all today! A very long list is unrealistic and it is discouraging because you won't be able to get all the things done. Also, you will be encouraging yourself when you are able to check off accomplished tasks. So make the list short, of 2-3 things for the day.

When it comes to cleaning, or any task for that matter, I suggest that you always set a timer. Limit yourself 5 min. maybe even 15 min. to work at certain task. This will help you not to be consumed by any 1 item. You shouldn't just randomly start cleaning, if you have all day it'll take you all day. I, for one, am not willing to donate my weekend or off days to cleaning the house or doing laundry. That's our family time and recuperation/relaxation time. So to help me, I take a few items from my brain dump/master to-do list and I add them to my Daily to-do list so that I can get the things done but I can also maintain balance in my life. I have to take care of the kids, handle my businesses, take care of the things my husband may need, cook dinner, tidy or clean the house, and prepare us for a successful tomorrow. AND MORE! I am not willing to sacrifice a day to "the game". For instance, I do a load of laundry each day. When I was working out of the home I would put on a load of laundry when I got home from work and put it in the dryer in the morning before I left for work then I could fold that one load in the evening while I'm watching one of my TV shows and unwinding. By the end of the week, all my laundry is done and I can relax on the weekend and spend time with my family. This is the same way I break down other household tasks. We'll discuss this more at a later time.

Balance in my life is what I strive to attain. And I want the same for you. It doesn't matter how you keep your list it's just important that you keep one. You must make a habit of making a list, checking it, and doing the things. If you are a digital girl then I suggest you use an app. You can always go old-school and keep a written list. Which is actually my suggestion. I keep both. I used my digital list for times when I'm unable to write. Many times I just speak the task into my smart speaker. I have Echo. Alexa adds to my lists for me and I refer to them in the Alexa app. But you can also do this with Google and Cortana. I keep my written list in my planner. I'd love to share these with you at another time because I use a month view planner, a weekly view planner, and a daily to-do list to keep me organized.

Pick a time that you'll review your list(s). I suggest daily. I check my master list daily and weekly. Sunday evenings are when I do my planning for the week to come so I have incorporated checking my master list into my planning routine. Each evening I check my list. If there's anything unfinished it can be added to tomorrow's list. Every morning I check my To-Do Lists to create today's action items. Any task I didn't finish yesterday I prioritize with what's important today. Try it. And don't be too hard on yourself when something is left undone from today. You'll get it done. This is our first step in stomping out procrastination.

You can do all the things, but not all today! Start with your master list and incorporate these strategies as soon as you can. As another Married Mom and Mogul, we CAN manage all the things, TOGETHER!