Some people are list-makers, claiming they love the feeling of accomplishment as they cross each “to-do” off.
I love accomplishment. I love feeling like I’ve done something worthwhile, meaningful, and done them well, no less.
There’s the rub, though. That last part – that part about doing something well – it often paralyzes my progress, and usually before any progress has actually been made.
So I might make a list, but when I review it I begin to think, “Oh wow, that is a lot – there’s no way it can all get done [perfectly] today.” And instead of breaking it down into chunks that are achievable I just spin my wheels in overwhelm – going nowhere. And with that thought the voice of Dr. Phil is cued: “So, uh, how’s that workin’ for ya?”
It’s not. At. All.
My list is so big right now:
- Spend more time in Scripture/prayer
- Fix the finances
- Organize the house and keep it clean
- Set some exercise goals and attain them
- Spend more time writing
Among other things.
I’ve been focusing less on making the lists and more on just doing them. And things are getting done. Please bear with me as things adjust and I acclimate to a more purposeful, regimented routine.
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February 5, 2010 at 11:28 am
Huckdoll
Good for you. I love a good list myself but I find myself focusing far too much on the actual list than getting the stuff done. I make goals now – like my goal to clean the bedroom and hold myself accountable by blogging about it. Same goes with fitness and wellness.
So far, so good.
February 5, 2010 at 10:08 pm
ramblinred
Yep – that’s me too. Anyway I’m working on keeping myself accountable, because even that hasn’t always worked for me – I’d find an excuse, but no more!
February 5, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Headless Mom
As far as the house goes, I tend to get more of a sense of accomplishment if I go room to room, top to bottom, all in one day. Then, if I only get one room done, it’s completely done, and I don’t have to go back.
As far as finances go, though, I try to sit down for one hour/1x/week to do it all. If I do that, then it’s never overwhelming. (Do I achieve this regularly? No. But I try!)
February 5, 2010 at 10:13 pm
ramblinred
Re: housework – I find if I do somethings everyday or every other day and then a bit of a “project” each day that it’s easiest for me to maintain. My biggest area of struggle – laundry after 2:00pm and dinner dishes (which I try to pawn off on the kids/Seth with the whole, “I’ve already done dishes plus I COOKED!” line but am not always successful).
As for the finances – we are a long ways away from a weekly checkbook balancing session. We have so many outstanding medical debts that it always seems as if we are robbing Peter to pay Paul, but that tax refund is on its way to the rescue!