Check Or Cross Off My List?

Sometimes I think that planning ahead just leaves time to do other things that need to be done in my busy life. I have a list that needs constant prioritizing. What are we going to do today? What do I have to do today? How far can I work ahead? There is always something on the list that I would rather skip. Either because it is just plain boring or that it just seems that it will take more time (and effort) than I have at the moment. I do love it when I do follow through with plans. It is such a satisfying feeling to check things off a list, or better yet, to actually put a line through each one.

Daniel has been interested in my lists lately. He thinks he should have input in what goes on my list. He is currently helping me to make our Thanksgiving dinner to do list. I like to do things one at a time, and plan for using a pan multiple times as in my pot that is used to boil eggs, macaroni and finally potatoes. Daniel also doesn't understand why I would ever want to put a line through something I took the effort to write on paper. He gives me a surprised look and states his shock in my behavior. Oh if he could only comprehend the satisfying feeling of drawing a line through a completed task on my list. Checking off a list is okay too I suppose, but not nearly as good as slashing through the done deed. So when I share my lists with Danny, we will be making checks in front of what is done. I am sure he will be making lists of his own very soon.

Anti-Procrastination

Later, gator... Out of sight out of mind.... Why do I put things off? Most of what I do, I do at the last minute.

I think it is because I have so many things on my to-do list. They say that those who have a lot to do put themselves through stress and their memory goes. A big part of that is the fact that you can't multi-task with attention. Some things you can do. Habits that do not require thought. Loading a dishwasher while talking on the phone. I don't have to think about it much, and after the phone call, or during a pause in the conversation I will ask myself if I put the soap in or started it up. I won't remember because it didn't have my attention.

So I make to do lists. I do the things that are every day routines and I do what has to be done, but often times things that need attention just don't get it because I can only do so much. The less desirable jobs are often the ones that are put off. Sometimes too long. When I get around to them I often discover that they really were not as bad as I had set them up to be or that they have become monsters since I have put them off so long that it will take a great deal of time and effort to get it done. And I really believe that it would have been less time and anguish involved if it had been dealt with the first day it appeared on my list. Now to find the time....