of lists . . .

I’m a list maker - I like to make a list of things I need to do, want to do, want to see, hope to accomplish, lists for house-cleaning, grocery shopping, spiritual growth, books I’ve read, books I want to read, menus, trip lists, ways to connect with my kids, my husband, friends, lists of creative things that lift my spirit, prayer concerns.

I found a free web-based, list-making program called Ta Da. It’s so simple to use. I keep it on my Google toolbar so that I can add to it when I’m on my computer. It’s accessible and you never lose a list.

I still use paper lists too. There is something so satisfying about drawing a line through an item. It gives such a sense of accomplishment. And a whole list of crossed off items produces an inexplicable sense of triumph.

In fact, I’ve been known to add things that were not on the original list, after I’ve done them, just to have the pleasure of crossing them off.

Should I be worried about that? 

*grin*

I don’t usually finish a list in a day. In fact some things remain on the list for quite a while - months even. Then my lists can feel discouraging, rather than helpful. To avoid that, I like to look at my list and say “What one thing can I do on this list that will make me feel good at the end of the day?”

It might be playing my harp, making my son’s favourite muffins, filling in my new address book or taking a walk. Or, if I want a sense of accomplishment that will carry me for a few days, I’ll do that one thing that has been nagging at me - the thing I’ve been avoiding - even dreading - like cleaning a closet. _{HT - Lovella :)}

Oh, the feeling when I check “clean closet” off the list!!

Self-satisfaction bordering on euphoria.

It may even be a bit insufferable

akin to 

 

Mr. Toad - Poop! Poop! 

But don’t worry - it doesn’t last long.

My kitchen counter

or the perennial cry “I don’t have any clean socks!”

pops that Toad-like smugness and brings me back to reality.

How about you? Are you a list-maker? Share your favourite list-making tips!
 

Comments

[Susanne]

OOO, a list site. I am so heading over there!

[Deb]

I love making lists! But there are other members in my family that roll their eyes whenever ol' Mom says, "Let's make a list!" We have a small white marker board in our schoolroom where we will jot down family to-dos. I love the thrill of marking things off a list, too, and I do the exact same thing as you: write something down that's been done and mark through it! I'm going to check out your link for lists now. Thanks!

[At A Hen's Pace]

I go in stages. Sometimes I get too busy to make lists!

But I get so much more done when I am intentional. Just making a list--even if I forget to look at it, which happens more often than not--must help me subconsciously, because often at the end of the day, when I do think to look, I find that a high percentage of the things on it got done.

I too get discouraged with some items that remain on my list for months. That can actually discourage me from list-making! But "if you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." There's a balance one has to strike.

--Jeanne

Another literary list-making amphibian is Toad in Frog and Toad Together. Do you know the story? He has a list of everything he will do that day, starting with Get Out of Bed. But then he loses the list... It's so cute!

[cassie-b]

I'm also a list maker. And I have been known to add things just accopmlished to the list - just to be able to cross them out.

So I think that's perfectly ok.

Have a great weekend.

Cas
I love your music.

[ellen b]

Every Sunday or Monday morning I make my list for the week. I use a simple 6x8ish spiral notebook (spiral at the top) on the very top I put 7 boxes for the 7 days.(so I can keep track of days and the dates) Then I list things I need to do on the left side. on the right side I list any birthdays or anniversaries I want to acknowledge. Below that I keep an ongoing list of things I need to pick up at the store. Oh I so love to cross things off this list. Anything that doesn't get crossed off goes to the next week.I am a list freak but it does help me to keep organized and sane...

[Lana G!]

Love lists! What's funny is at home it is written and at work it is all on the computer! My calendar at home is written and the one at work is on the computer! Go figure!!!

[Susie]

Love your music and I love lists too :)
I also sometimes add things just to cross them off. I use my yahoo calendar and it emails me reminders of things I need to do each day.
I am constantly trying to be more organized but I'm still a work in progress :)
xo

[missmellifluous]

OH!MY!GOODNESS!!!
Lists make me PANIC! I hate them with a passion! Argh!
I will run a mile to avoid a list because as soon as I place ANYTHING on a list I DON'T want to do it! Not for ANYTHING!!!!
You have no idea how hard it was for me to read this post! I feel all out of breath. But I am happy you found a list site you like..just gotta go block it so it doesn't torment me. ;)