Take some time today to acknowledge the things that you’ve gotten done over the past two weeks. Don’t look at your ‘to do’ list, but instead create a ‘done’ list (why did I want to write ‘to done’? That’s silly…). Even if you just mentally stop to take stock of what you’ve accomplished to this point, do it. Give yourself that pat on the back. You deserve it. You’re doing a great job, and you’re going to be okay.
Tag: to do lists
30 Days of Lists: Unfinished!
30 Days of Lists: Projects and Helpfulness!
Why I Still Make Lists
I love productivity apps. I’m always so excited to look at what I can do on my phone, and how I can get programs to react to me doing things. Cleaned my room? Look at the experience I gain for my character! Walked around the block? Look at my plant grow bigger! It’s very gratifying.
But I still keep paper and pen handy to make lists.
Why?
- I like having a physical list in my hand.
- I like the sensation of handwriting.
- There’s a real satisfaction to drawing a line through an item on a physical list.
- It’s usually quicker making a list that way.
The biggest reason I’ve found to do this, however, is the accountability. When I have a physical list in my hand, I’m more likely to look at it. To touch it. To move it.
If I am really subconsciously avoiding doing something on my phone I can just look at any other of the 50 billion apps that are open on top of it.In fact, I find myself forgetting sometimes that I even made note of things because out of sight, out of mind.
Do you have a traditional means of productivity? A tried and true? Tell me about it!
We’re Back!
I missed you! How are you?
So things never go quite how you imagine they will. Even in the best situations. Such was the case with moving, and it wasn’t even a dramatic move. Looking at a map, it would be, like, two fingers tips. Nothing. But we are still reeling, still struggling to get back to whatever normal is.
Here are 5 things I learned from the move that I think is relevant to you, you not-moving people, you. Unless you are moving, in which case I send you lots of good vibes.
1. There’s no way to be too organized, and if you’re not organized at all, the only thing you need is a box to get started. You know those papers are important, and you should keep track of them. If you don’t have time to put together some elaborate color-coded system, at least keep them all in one single box. Not three. Not four and a shelf. Not four, a shelf and a folder.
2. Sometimes, there won’t be help there. You may have to improvise. Take the number of people who have said they will help you with something and divide it by two. Assume that’s how many people are coming. Make sure you have a separate plan of attack so you’re not left stranded.
3. Hoard small victories. Some days, the best you can hope for is a spot of floor and a cleared off space on the couch. Nothing wrong with that. Take pride in that even if you are surrounded by a box fortress.
4. You can always get back to where you were with small steps. I have a list of things I like to at least touch on every day – crafts, writing, spirituality and reading for pleasure, to name a few. I have had neither the time nor space is start new art projects, so I’ve had to be content with doodles, photos and “easy” art. Every little bit helps.
5. Take care of yourself. It may be hard, but make sure you’re eating, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking some time for yourself to recharge. It’s easy to say, “I will do that after I finish this big task,” but if you crash and burn, you won’t get anything done at all!
What life lessons have you taken from big changes?
5 Ways to Keep Going
I am literally squeezing this into the few minutes of free time I have. This week has been nothing but homemade Christmas presents, work, laundry, packing for my family trip next week and freelance deadlines.
So, how can you too keep going despite a to-do list as long as the Mississippi?
1. Find out what times work for you and demand them. I’m up late because I know I am most productive between 8-11. If it means I don’t have a lot of free time in the morning, I accept that.
2. Eat, stay hydrated, and sleep. Keep your health up, even when you think it would be a lot better to double-fist cheeseburgers and fries.
3. Avoid falling into the trap of thinking too much about it. And by “it” I mean all the things you need or want to do. Don’t fall into that abyss of overwhelming stress. Just do it. Ride the momentum of inertia and do, do, do.
4. Laugh a lot. And sing. And hug people. I’ve been watching reruns of Parks and Rec. It helps.
5. Stay in the moment. It’s easy to pummel yourself over what’s happening tomorrow or what you didn’t do yesterday. But instead of wasting your time on stuff you can’t control, pay attention to what’s in your hands.
bohemian.on.rye 