I am a big fan of to-do lists. And I'm one of those people who will do something that isn't on my list, add it to my list and then immediately cross it off.
I've started keeping lists on my iPhone. I like the Reminders app that allows me to keep multiple lists, set reminders and then check things off. I have a Shopping list and a Reminders list; a way-too-long Honey-Do list and a growing Home Improvement list. I'm good at adding to my lists but have been struggling with getting things crossed off.
Yesterday I started a new list and called it my Daily To-Do list. I purposefully limited the number of things on the list and intentionally grouped them around one particular space. Since we just finished painting the spare room, I want to move towards reassembling that room so I can feel that at least one thing is done (for now).
Even with everything I have to do, I decided to make time for something I love. First. I needed a reminder of why I'm doing all this. So before buckling down, I went for a ride. I jumped on Cricket and we walked the fence line all the way to the back of the property. Her pasture-mate was very distressed at being alone so we tailored the ride so Etruska could follow on the other side of the fence. The total ride was probably 15 minutes, if it was even that long. But it was enough.
I grabbed some leftover pizza for dinner and when that was done, I got down to my to do list. I accomplished all five things: vacuum the floor, clean the baseboards, clean the window sill/molding, wipe down the doors and shampoo the carpet.
It was a great feeling to check everything off the list. It was a great feeling to prop up my feet and veg out, knowing I had accomplished what I set out to do.
So I've reset the daily to-do with some more tasks for this evening. I think there are 6-7 and my goal is never more than 7. Even if that means stretching out a major event (like cleaning out and organizing my filing) over more than one day.
