I have a to-do list. I write one every day. I have so much going on that I can’t keep it all in my head, so it’s easier to write it down. Plus, I like crossing off completed items once they’re done. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Unfortunately, I haven’t completed a day’s to-do list in years. I think, like many people, I have a hectic schedule that is really meant for two or three people versus one. So I’ve resolved myself to the fact that it likely won’t be finished by the day’s end. And that’s okay. It still keeps my day organized to some degree.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years of jotting down this daily to-do list is that my priorities have changed. I used to focus heavily on things like dishes and grocery shopping and laundry—often to the detriment of my writing. In fact, writing-related anything used to take an absolute, bottom-of-the-list back seat. Meaning: it never got done.
Writing has now graduated to the near top of the list. It definitely takes second place to my kids and their needs. Sometimes phone calls elbow writing out of the way for a time. But these days, I make sure I do something writing-related every day. As a result, I’m 1) a better writer, 2) accomplishing way more toward my writing goals, and 3) much happier.
Do you write a to-do list? If so, do you get everything crossed off by the end of the day? If not, how do you organize your day?
YES! Not only do I have a "to do" list, but that's how we keep track of the kids learning tasks for the day. They have a large marker board where the agenda for the day is written, and as soon as they're done with a task, they erase it. By the end of the list, they're free to play.
ReplyDeleteI make to-do lists and then usually lose them...
ReplyDeletei could not live (maybe) without my lists---i do get a high, from crossing stuff off----sometimes i even remake my lists---i know, i am a little obsessive :)
ReplyDelete