Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Up's & Down's & Do's & Don't of TO DO LISTS!


Maybe you are like me and religiously make a to do list every day ... highlighting the key phone calls, errands, household duties, bills, school assignments, work must-do's and more that glisten as you excitedly write and follow your to do list for the day. Every night before I pull the covers back I make my to do list ... it only takes a few minutes but saves me alot of mental reminders and re-reminders of things that can't be forgotten and keeps me focused on the tasks at hand as I awake and begin my day early in the morning. I'm excited to start my day and begin checking things off one by one. I actually have a to do list notebook that is filled with previous days list, and upcoming lists so I can write things down that need to be accomplished as I think about it. TRY IT. It really helps.

Maybe you aren't much of a list maker...why in the world would you want to make a to do list? Well, they aren't for everyone but I know they keep me sane, focused, less stressed & more productive. There's nothing like checking things off the list when you accomplish tasks. The days that I try to avoid making a to do list aren't as fun, focused and productive as the others, and I tend to forget items here and there that really needed to get done. I know what you're thinking ... this girl is crazy! Well, that may be true, but for type A personalities, this technique really does work so we aren't constantly trying to remind ourselves mentally of what MUST get accomplished today. It really does help. Also, to do lists are effective for those who AREN'T type A personalities. My husband is a terrific example. He's more of a type Z...I mean B or C personality. To do lists keep him focused and reminded that things must get done...They have done wonders for him!

Now you're asking, is there any downside to making a to do list? Honestly, I can only think of one thing that stands in the way. Sometimes type A personalities focus so much on planners, calendars and to do lists that they forget to STOP and listen to God and be ready, willing and flexible to step out of our "schedules" to do something for Him. This is something to keep in mind ... stay in tune with God and don't get so attached to your lists and schedules that you forget to see what He has in store and who He wants us to reach out to.

To do lists help us relax, stay focused, get things accomplished and be smart with the time that the Lord has given us. I have made lists ever since I was 12 or 13 years old .... and continue to this very day. I hope that this "silly" discussion on list-making encourages you to continue on in your busy life being productive for the Lord, taking care of your families, and listening to see what God has in store to help those around you.

FREEBIE for today's post - printable to do lists:
http://www.printabletodolist.com/

Colossians 4:5, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."