I am a list maker. Visit my office, and you're bound to find a to do list scribbled on a Post-It note, written on a notecard, or jotted on a yellow notepad.
My list-making has evolved over time. I used to make huge lists of everything I could think of that needed to be done. My list would fill two columns of a large notepad, often leaving me feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. I was even guilty of writing down things I had already done just so I could cross them off my list. There was some sort of validation in seeing that line drawn through an item or a checkmark placed next to something on my list. Despite those feelings of success, the huge list was not productive, as I often focused on all the things that hadn't been crossed off rather than acknowledging all that had.
As a result, I decided to start making smaller lists. Now, I make a list of the things I want to accomplish each day. My list is considerably shorter, and I often try to keep it to three to five items. Somedays, everything gets crossed off. Other days, I leave work with the complete list still intact. Honestly, those are some of my busiest days -- the days when everything else vies for my attention, leaving my list undisturbed. These are some of my most frustrating days, when I feel like I was busy all day but having nothing to truly show for it.
That's when I have to remind myself that the list will wait. The tasks will still be there tomorrow and if they have to be done today, I can find a way to make it happen. I've learned to do a better job prioritizing and making decisions that allow me to focus on what's most important.
As I sit at my kitchen counter typing this, I can't help but notice the notecard next to my laptop. It contains a list of everything I wanted to get done today. Three items remain on the list, staring at me and reminding me I didn't accomplish all I wanted. However, for today, it's okay. The three items that are left can wait. They don't have to be done today and I can successfully check them off in he morning.
After all, I am sure there will be plenty of other items to add to the list tomorrow.
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