I am the “List Queen.”
I start the day with a mental “to do list.”
I end the day with a written “to do list.”
I end each year writing in my new year’s diary with a “review list” of my accomplisments.
I start each year, also my birthday, with a “new year’s resolution list.”
I have three sets of “bucket lists” on file: 1) what I want to experience 2) Where I want to travel 3) What I want to achieve- all before I die.
At work I have multiple lists: 1) a master media list with contacts around the country, 2) an extensive food and beverage industry list and 3) a”people I have met along the way in my career list.” I am actually paid quite well to utilize my lists to promote events, products, causes and to build relationships. I have an “A list,” a “B list” and so on. I am a professional connector and catalyst.
When I was undergoing breast cancer treatment, I kept a diary and made detailed lists of every stage of my treatment as guidelines to record my progress and to help others. I have shared these lists with other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis and am working on a companion book based around the lists.
When my Dad died, I realized the importance of keeping a “personal information list.” My mother and I scrambled to find information my father kept in his head or here and there in files and drawers, such as banking accounts, signatures on file, lists of credit cards, frequent flyer numbers, insurance policies, access codes and passwords for cell phones, computers and online accounts, and other data that was essential for us to have as his life came to an end. By the time we realized what may or may not have been missing he was too sick to tell us. After Dad died and while I was undergoing chemotherapy I set up for myself and for my husband, David, a “personal life list” so that if anything happened to me David would have access to my information with ease and less stress. If you make one list in your life this is the one to compile and keep current, if not for yourself for the person(s) you leave behind.
Making lists is a great way to organize and manage your time. Checking off my “to do list” feels good, like dropping a pound of emotional weight. Lists are a great way to gather your thoughts, be it a “life list,” a “to do list” or a “wish list.”
Lists are a big deal when a new year rolls around. People start by making lists. Some follow them and some fall off the list wagon. The Wall Street Journal recently published an article on the topic. According to the article in a 2006 survey, 23% of of the respondents make lists, but many stop using them. It’s a great article. Here’s the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204296804577124742529431640.html
I find lists handy, especially when you need to think through things with more clarity. Here is my “tip list” for managing lists and to avoid becoming listless about keeping up with them:
1. Keep them short. My “to do lists” are at most 10 things. There is always tomorrow to add or remove items from the list.
2. Keep them organized in one area. I have a friend who keeps her weekly “to do lists” hand -written on a #10 envelope. Inside the envelope are coupons, receipts and other miscellany that she needs. Another friend maintains her lists on her Ipad, which is great when you travel alot. My mother uses purple lined note pads with a purple pen. I just use an old fashioned black and white school composition book and ballpoint pen. I keep my more permanent lists, such as ideas for businesses, blog topics, songs to write and other creative on my computer.
3. Tackle the easiest things first. In the morning when my mind is fresh and full of endorphins from my workout I pay bills, run errands, review spread sheets, write documents and make key business calls. Later in the day I call friends, book or reconfirm reservations, write thank you notes, meet people for coffee or a glass of wine and post on Facebook and handle anything that does not require a spreadsheet or heavy proofreading.
4. For large tasks, break them down into stages. For example, if you need to get an estimate for having your roof replaced, purchase new insurance policies, plan a trip or address anything of that nature that will cost you a good deal of time and money, spread the tasks over a few days, such as one call a day. And set up a file logging each call and corresponding paperwork.
5. Keep “life lists” such as resolutions, wish lists, holiday gift lists, key data lists, friends and famiy lists and other lists that you want to continually maintain all in one area. Review them once or twice a year to make sure they are updated and keep a separate archived file somewhere safe so that if one list is lost you have another copy.
And because I believe that lists should be short, simple and updated with frequency. I am only giving you the above five tips.
In closing, I am sharing with you my “wish list” for 2012:
1. Keep your mind and body healthy and active.
2. Live for today and seize opportuities may not pass your way again.
3. Act on your dreams and give something a try you have always wanted to do.
4. Don’t let anyone or anything overstress you, judge you or make you feel less than worthy.
5. Appreciate what you have and who you are and stop worrying about what you do not have and who you are not. You are incomparable. Be invincible.
