A Big To-Do
I’m a big list-maker. Right now as I sit at my desk typing this blog I count six without digging under piles of papers: 2 to-do lists, 2 phone lists, a list of contacts for my company accounts, and a list of companies (that shall remain nameless) with pledges still out for the 2008 campaign. Making a to-do list has proven to be the most effective way for me to organize tasks and get my work done. And I’ve found there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to cross an item off the list once the task has been completed. In fact, I relish those times when my complete tasks outweigh my incomplete ones – it’s rare, but all the more satisfying!
Oddly enough, it didn’t occur to me until very recently that perhaps the same system would work well for my life outside of work. I was constantly disappointed by my inability to accomplish “life tasks.” Even simple things like setting aside time to call out-of-town friends or cleaning out the closet were unsuccessful. My so-called life tasks only got more complicated and lengthy with the planning of my upcoming wedding (just 16 days away now!). And so, my fiancé and I sat down at the beginning of this week and made a list of everything we need to do by May 23rd. This week’s list looks something like this:
- Schedule wedding gown fittings
- Discuss ceremony music with organist
- Finish designing the ceremony program
- Create a must-play list for the DJ
- Purchase jewelry and garter
- Obtain marriage license
- Get directions from church to reception
- Send thank you cards for bridal shower gifts
Though the list is long, now that it’s been populated I’m more confident in my ability to get it all done. I have a plan and I can visualize how I’m progressing and reward myself when I do well. But more than that, it serves as a reminder for me that prioritizing my personalize life is just as important as prioritizing my work life.
What about you? Do you have “life tasks” you’ve been putting off? What are they? Where would your community fall on your personal priority list? If we had a to-do list for our community, what would you add to it?
And now if you don’t mind, I think I’ll go cross this blog off my list . . .
Nice post Sommer…all the Big To Do’s will get done before the Big I Do