To Do Lists

[Audrey]

Does anyone use a to do list? It is said that having a list can make things go quicker, thus freeing up some time.

[pbuenaventura]

I did for a while, and as of Monday, I'm going to start again and stick to using one daily. When I did in the past, I got a lot more accomplished; time didn't run away from me and I didn't feel overwhelmed when dealing with large projects when I broke them up into manageable chunks that I could check off when finished.

[eapoosmama]

Having three children and being a single parent -- life is very unpredictable. I do make lists but I make sure they are flexible to insure that I do not get frustrated with time frames should life just not permit at the time.

I get far more done on my to do list if I keep the computer off for most of the day.:sad:

[listplanit]

I had to reply as I am the List Mama! I make at least 2 to do lists a day -- one for me/my family and one for my business (which just happens to be devoted to To Do Lists). I have lists in a binder, lists pinned up to the message boards in my computer and lists laminated for my refrigerator.

[Terri-Avon]

Ummm....I have the "To Do" list one the "To Do" list in my mind....one of these day's I'll do it :hee:

[Audrey]

Terri,

It can be as simple as writing down your goals. When you see it in writing, right in front of you, sometimes that helps make it a reality.

[GetPaidToFan]

I stil ldo sometimes. I also like to write down the time i want to accomplish the job in. :) the pressure gets me working.

[ckruger]

i do that! :) i have a note with me that i can check from time to time and i just cross out what i have already done. reminder on the go. :D

[Lori]

I think some of the best advice I was ever given was to remember to schedule in the most important things in to you -- not ONLY your to-do's.

Make hugging and tickling part of the 'to do' list, for example. I try to get a giggle out of my kids at least once a day!

I do use lists though -- there is no way I could stay organized enough to accomplish everything without them and it is so inspiring to cross things off.

When I feel overwhelmed I go and find a few of the really easy quick things on my list and get them done. Even if they aren't the most important -- just to give me a sense of accomplishment :)

[goal_mentor]

I'm not sure where I learned to use a to do list, I think it is from my Mary Kay days. But what I learned was to write out 10 must do items a day and anything you do not get done, transfer to the following day. Do the things that you had to transfer first thing the next day.

Helps with procrastiating as well.

I have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate this method with my current goal to create a schedule. But with so much business going on my plate at this time I'm really struggling with it.

I'm thinking that I might have to combine all the businesses and only due 10 things daily. But I'm not comfortable with the idea. Feedback anyone?

[Audrey]

I'm not understanding your question. Your dilemma is to create lists of what to do or take care of business?

[goal_mentor]

I'm not understanding your question. Your dilemma is to create lists of what to do or take care of business? Sorry for the confusion.

Negitive side of the isssue:
The problem is that there are so many daily business to do's, that I forget to do them simultainiously when I could combine/multi task items with doing something else, so that I can get more done and off my list. Another problem is that I procrastinate getting some items done, which means I continue to write it on my To Do List ove and over again. So then my list of to do's gets so long that I get overwhelmed and don't get certain anythings done in a timely manner.

Positive side of the issue:
Writting down what I need to do reminds me of what does need to get done, and eventhough I procrastinate I still get more done if I write it down and can remember.

Summary
So writing out the To Do List really helps me remember what I need to get done, it is just the method that I'm using is not working really well for me.

Possible Solution
I just thought that I could probably put multi task items as one item on my To Do List, this way my list is not so long, and I get the multi tasks done more efficiently. Boy, having to think of what the problems was and having to expain it really helped me.

Thank You Audrey

[Audrey]

I've read many times that not doing things is not an option. If you have 10 things on your list and only get 7 done, then the FIRST 3 things you do tomorrow are those undone things on your list. Yes, you can add more, but you MUST get those 3 things done.

So, this allows you to procrastinate for only one day.