I Resolve to Stop Making Lists

As I was talking to a friend of mine about goal achievement she made the above statement. She felt she was drowning in lists and not getting anything accomplished.  I have to admit, I know the feeling.

When we create lists because we are afraid we will forget something, we make ineffective lists (i.e. a bunch of stickies all over the office).  That is why I am a big believer in lists with a purpose.  I have a small white board by my monitor in my office for the things I need to get done soon (but only work items). I have a list in the kitchen for my grocery and household items. I have a list in my purse for shopping or errand items.  Having specific lists for specific purposes helps me get things accomplished.

If you randomly grab for a piece of paper and pen and write something down, chances are good that it either will get lost - stuck in a pile - or forgotten about.  Carrying a little notebook with you for your ideas is a good idea, however you have to remember to open your notebook. You can use lists effectively as long as you have a plan and a purpose for them, you look at them periodically, they are easily accessible and you don't have too many of them.

I greatly enjoy completing something on my to do list and crossing it out like a crazy person.  Particularly if the task was something I was dreading having to do.  It feels so good to make it physically and mentally go away.  It gives me the boost I need to get going onto the next task.

My next task is to remind everyone that the 4 Dynamic Women Dare to be Dynamic event is coming up February 4th in Shoreview Minnesota with an Early Bird deadline of January 21.  Don't bother putting this on your list, just sign up today - I would love to see you there!  Good, now I can cross that task off of this morning's list with a smile on my face.  http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html