List
Making
“Mostly
I make lists for projects. This can be daunting. Breaking something
big into its constituent parts will help you organize your thoughts,
but it can also force you to confront the depths of your ignorance
and the hugeness of the task. That's okay. The project may be the
lion, but the list is your whip.”
Adam
Savage
I
always think about making lists at the end of the year—all the things I
said I would do in 2014 that haven't been done. This year's end,
however, I'm going to try a more positive framing of that. I will
list all the things I have done, rather than the non-accomplishments.
Are you a list-maker? Making “to-do” lists is helpful for two
reasons: 1) it forces you organize your thoughts ahead of time, and
2) it keeps you on track while you're in the midst of the “doing.”
I make shopping lists a lot, because I'm forgetful—even more so now
than I used to be. Sometimes, I forget to take the list with me, but
if I've gone through the process of writing it down, I remember what
was on the list better than if I haven't. Any time you combine
multiple senses on a task, learning improves.
There
is something uniquely satisfying, too, about checking things off a
list. One feels such a sense of accomplishment when everything has a
good, strong check-mark beside it. That is the best reason to keep
our lists short—just a day's worth at a time. Or if you have a
long-term project, break it down into manageable numbers. Nowadays,
we feel as though our lives are accelerating. Successfully checking
off the goals we set for the day creates the illusion of expanding
time. In fact, being organized does increase our free time. And,
that's another suggestion—build some 'me' time into that schedule.
For the sake of body and soul, live a little. We should have regular
pleasure breaks just to refresh our spirits—so, put that on your
list, too! #6. Fifteen minute pleasure break. You'll be glad you did.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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