I haven’t done very well this week. I’ve had lots of excuses for not doing the complete list of daily tasks every single day. I think that a lot of that has to do with the house being ultra clean on Tuesday for the party, and then too much for me to handle cleaning up immediately (at least I told myself it was too much). So half of the problem was me thinking that I deserved a break because of the major cleaning. The other half was thinking that the party mess was so much that I didn’t have time to get it cleaned up until Friday (which totally wasn’t true).
So am I a total failure?
Not a TOTAL failure. Even doing some of the tasks daily keeps things way better than they used to be. But I really like it when they’re way way way better, like I was getting used to.
Since starting this blog/cleaning up process, I’ve had quite a few crazy weeks and I have generally done okay at keeping up the momentum. But the holidays are their own animal. I love this time of year, but I do feel like I’m running from thing to thing, with rarely a moment to breathe.
I heard someone say recently that many great/successful people are list-makers. They gave examples of people who made daily to-do lists. I make lists on ultra crazy days. I am a major list-maker when I’m working on a detailed project that is something I’m passionate or excited about, like getting one of my kids’ birthday party organized, or directing a play, or preparing for a trip. I am going to make a to-do list every day. I think that this is appropriate right now with all of the Christmas parties and activities at school and church, but it will also be a helpful habit for any day.
At this point, I’m not sure if I should do it in the evening or in the morning. It would be ideal to do it at night for the next day so I don’t get started into the day without the list. But at this point, I’m not going get upset with myself if I have to do it in the morning.
Erin says
This is my new “thing” for the week. Before I go to bed, I check my planner and write a to-do list. It really helps me focus on what HAS to be done that day. So far, so good!
Sarah says
Oh, Nony! I found you from Simple Mom as I’m attempting to join the “normal” people for Project Simplify. I’m such a fan now. Thought I’d share a problem I’ve always had that you’ve just helped me solve. I too function better with a To-Do list, but I’d use the list-making as a way to procrastinate. hellO McFly . . . make the list the night before when the kids are asleep and I’ve flopped down on the couch. Genius. Just have to make item one: return pen and planner to designated spots and then I’ll even have something checked off in the morning. : ) Cheers!
fep says
Oh well I’m doomed not to be successful then.
I mean I (used to) write to do lists. But then I never finish them. Ever.
Funny how you find tons of advice on the internet how to write to do list, but not how to actually do what’s on it.
1 item per day I can deal with (but can you have a 1 item list?)