How is it that I find myself up at 6:00 on a Saturday morning, raking up chicken droppings before even having a cup of coffee?
It’s hot, I’m already sweating and covered in hay from my backyard chicken's coop. For some bizarre reason... I’m smiling!
This is me, now. I am motivated. I get things done. I don’t procrastinate (as much).
I used to dread tasks I didn’t want to do.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS kinds of things: Figuring out that discrepancy in the budget… Returning that small thing at Ikea… Writing that report on a topic I care nothing about...Raking chicken s*** at 6 AM…
I’d moan and complain. I’d do absurd other things to get out of my responsibilities. I was wasting all my energy fighting against the tasks that we ALL have to do. I was tensed up against the world, adulthood, parental responsibilities…
So what changed?
Two things:
My perspective.
And a to-do list.
I knew I needed to change how I was thinking. I realized that I was the common factor in every task. I had the power to choose how to feel about things. I started looking at tasks as opportunities. And I started using a list to manage them.
What’s the point of using a to-do list?
The main reason to start listing is to clear up space in your brain by organizing your thoughts on paper.
Seeing your responsibilities in black and white keeps them in perspective.
Has a task ever overwhelmed your focus (like the task of giving a speech at your sister’s wedding)? You obsess over it, worried you’ll get it wrong and work yourself into such an agitated state - you couldn’t get the task done if you tried…
Write them down! It helps!
Benefits of using a To-Do list:
Improves your memory:
Listing tasks frees up space in your brain. The list holds all the loose items that were floating in your consciousness. You won’t ever forget things. They are all written in one place.
Increases productivity:
A to do list allows you to prioritize the tasks that are more important. You can also plan your tasks for the day. Accomplishing a challenging task early in the day can be effective. It can also be helpful to accomplish a handful of small tasks to build motivation for a larger one.
Makes things manageable:
Having tasks organized in lists helps you break them down into manageable steps. You can’t complete the project of “renovate my house” in one day. This large project consists of many small manageable tasks. Listing them out helps our brain to form a plan for accomplishing them, rather than having an overwhelmed - shut down reaction.
Set up your list:
There are many ways to get listing. Choose the one that suits you and your habits.
Digital list (this is what I use)
Try an app like Microsoft To-Do
If you have a smartphone this is the list for you. Having your list in a central space that is with you all the time (like your phone) is the best way to stay on top of your tasks.
For further information on how to set up a list app like “To Do” check out Getting Things Done by David Allen.
Paper list
Good old paper works - as long as you remember to add to it. My mom always used a new scrap of paper each day - she would transfer any tasks that she didn’t get to to the next day’s paper.
Sticky note
Using a sticky note with current tasks can be useful if you use a paper planner or large wall calendar. Move the tasks around as needed.
The best part of lists?
Crossing off an item or checking off a box. It feels GREAT!
Physically checking a box gives you a sense of achievement and forward progress. By writing down simple tasks like: walk the dog and checking them off your list you will feel more motivated to tackle other more difficult tasks in your life.
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So here I am, mucking out the chicken coop... I’m smiling because this is easy. I know this task takes 30 minutes. I know how to accomplish it. I got started early to beat the heat.
A task I would have put off for weeks has become something I jump to accomplish. Now I can check this off my list. After this, all the other errands and tasks this weekend seem easier. Thanks to my to-do list, I don’t have to decide when to do something. I don’t have to wait for motivation to strike. I just check my list and DO it. You can too!
Maeby's chickens - Mune and Gingee
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Check back to the LooM for more blogs on how to do ALL the healthy things. We are in this together. The LooM is about support, connection and wellness. Reading and educating yourself is another important tool in your toolbelt. YOU are capable of changing what isn’t working. Motivate yourself and start GETTING THINGS DONE!
Written by Maeby Lopez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Professional Organizer
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