Simplify: The To-Do List
POSTED BY Amy at 7:00 AM
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and just felt completely and utterly overwhelmed before you even start? My day was often looking like that and rarely did I actually ever complete all of the things off of the list. I would end my day defeated before the next day had ever begun.
While the high of checking things off the list was there, the items left unchecked left me feeling less euphoric about what was actually accomplished.For the past couple of months, I have had the great opportunity to work with a business coach to help make my business better. Charrise McCorey, from
Emergence Business Coaching, has been working with me to help me reach my business goals. It has been such a unique experience for me because I am able to actually discover how valuable my time is, increase my productivity, and discover what can emerge from finding balance in my life.
The first thing on our project list was tackling my to-do list and my feelings of constantly being overwhelmed.
I felt like I was juggling way too many balls in the air so I wasn't sleeping well, eating well, or feeling like a very good parent. I would start a project, abandon it or do a bad job on it, and then move on to the next thing.The first thing we did was revamp what my to-do list looked like. Here is an example of what my to-do list looked like for my Monday routine- perhaps it looks like yours?
Amy's Monday To-Do ListSweep Kitchen Floors
Unload dishwasher
Load dishwasher
Swipe both bathrooms
Make beds
One load of laundry
Clean bathtub
Empty upper level trash
Make grocery list and menu plan
Change sheets on all beds
Clean windows and mirrors on upper level
Dust upper level
Steam floors on upper level
Sweep upper level
Organize the bedrooms
Now those were just my home management goals, we aren't even tackling the business goals for the day. What ended up happening was that I would get a portion of the list done and then have to carry it over for Tuesday. Let's say I got three of those things done. Now we will move on to Tuesday's schedule and it will look like this:
Amy's Tuesday To-Do ListSwipe both bathrooms
Make beds
One load of laundry
Clean bathtub
Empty upper level trash
Make grocery list and menu plan
Change sheets on all beds
Clean windows and mirrors on upper level
Dust upper level
Steam floors on upper level
Sweep upper level
Organize the bedrooms
Dust main level
Sweep main level
Steam kitchen floors
Clean windows and mirrors
Run errands
And then, let's say I got five things done, then Wednesday would carry over to this:
Amy's Wednesday To-Do ListMake grocery list and menu plan
Change sheets on all beds
Clean windows and mirrors on upper level
Dust upper level
Steam floors on upper level
Sweep upper level
Organize the bedrooms
Dust main level
Sweep main level
Steam kitchen floors
Clean windows and mirrors
Run errands
Do one thing I hate
Catch Up on Everything
Usually by Friday, my list looked something like this:
Amy's Friday To-Do ListClean windows and mirrors on upper level
Dust upper level
Steam floors on upper level
Sweep upper level
Organize the bedrooms
Dust main level
Sweep main level
Steam kitchen floors
Clean windows and mirrors
Run errands
Do one thing I hate
Catch Up on Everything
Empty lower level trash
Dust lower level
Sweep lower level
Clean windows and mirrors on lower level
Clean and organize the home office
Visit the library
Clean out car
Update our Quicken software
Mow lawn
Baking day
Hate myself for accomplishing absolutely nothing
Defeat
Defeat
Defeat
Oh, and did I mention I haven't tackled anything in my business? Obviously, this to-do list was just a running list of things I would never get to and I would hate myself for accomplishing nothing. In tears, I explained to Charrise that I often feel like a bad mom because I had to keep up with my business AND my house and neither was looking good at all. As Charrise says over and over again to me when I say negative things,
"That is a story you like to tell yourself. You can change your story."
We decided to change my story.
She advised completely revamping the to-do list. Instead of keeping a running list of things I would never do, why not make a shorter list that I could actually accomplish with great success? How would it feel if I could go to bed each night knowing that I had accomplished what was on my list? How would I sleep? Her advice was simple a list of only six things.
Make 3 Business GoalsMake 3 Personal GoalsNow my list looks something like this:
Amy's Revamped Monday To-Do List1. Set up contests for Tuesday on the blog
2. Complete my to-do list entry
3. Conference Call with Kenmore
4. Play on the floor with the kids for one hour
5. One load of laundry- whites
6. Pay Bills
At night before I go to bed, I make my list of six and go to sleep. At the end of the day, I usually can check most of the things off of the list and if something doesn't get done, it just gets carried over to the next day. I have to say, it is a lot easier to carry over two things rather than twenty each day.
But, what about the bigger goals? I had so many things I needed to do on my list for the website and in my home, but I knew they would never fit on such a limited list.This is where this comes into play:
Giant Wish ListInstead of adding these to my to-do list each day, take a piece of poster board and begin writing what your bigger goals are. She suggested writing down things you might be afraid to say out loud so that you can see your dreams come into fruition.
Amy's Giant Wish ListPodcast Radio Show With Huge Corporate Sponsorship
Food Network Television Show
Get Featured in Real Simple Magazine
Regular Column in Good Housekeeping
Book Deal
Meet Brad Pitt
Possibly Marry Him
When I think of things that I want to do in the future, I just jot it down on my giant wish list. It is there, I won't lose the idea or goal, but it isn't on my running list of six...yet.Yes, one day I will have an opening on the list of six and when that happens maybe I might say, "Today is the day to meet Brad Pitt and possibly marry him." I will add it to the list of six and just maybe, I might accomplish it.
You might ask what happened to all the cleaning on the list? Well, instead of writing it down, I just try and do it when I get my goals accomplished for the day. I either make it my goal to clean one day of the week or I just clean when I need to clean. I don't hold myself to commitments about it. I know what needs to get done and when I need to do it, and I do the best I can.
It might not be perfect, but it doesn't keep me up at night anymore.
Simplify.
(photo credits: image 1- one pretty thing image 2-gamookie)What does your to-do list look like? Could you simplify it? What would you put on a giant wish list?Labels: Mommy Time Management, Organizing, Simplify
27Comments:
Christi
"Amy, LOVE this post!
My to-do list is a little different - on Sunday afternoon I check my calendar (so I can include things like dr. appts) & I make a 'broad picture' list for the week, including phone calls I need to make, things that MUST be done (like paying bills) & other tasks like library trips, etc.
If something has to be accomplished on a certain day, I simply write that day next to it & hi-light it.
I rarely include cleaning-type items on my list as I find they get taken care of when needed, i.e. I wipe down the boys' bathroom everyday. My kitchen is always cleaned after dinner (thanks, dh!), I do one load of laundry per day, started when I start the coffee & finished when I have a minute - usually during lunchtime.
The bigger home maintenance-type things are written in on my calendar, so when it rolls around I add it in. Otherwise, I would never remember those things!
For Heaven's sake, I didn't realize this was so long - I should've written my own post! But just wanted to say, I will be using the Giant Wish List. Great idea! And your goals on it sound great; I'm sure you'll meet all of them (except maybe Brad Pitt *smile*)!"
HomeBizLiz
"This is great advice Amy! My to-do list is always way too long. I'm going to sit down today and make a new list that is SIMPLE.
Thanks!"
Charrise
"Amy, you are so coach-able! You are a pleasure to work with, and I'm happy to know what kind of difference this strategy made in your life. Brad Pitt ain't got nothin' on you."
Sandra
"Love that you include play on floor with kids! Sometimes we have to make time for the really important things. Thanks for the reminder!"
Amy
"Sandra- I have to say that at first I felt some guilt about that. I didn't feel I had to "schedule" in my children. But one of my mommy guilt complexes was that I didn't feel I was giving the kids enough time throughout the day. If I made it a goal though, it would be more likely I would do it. It has become a wonderful reminder of the important things in life."
FishMama
"The idea of only six things freaks me out. Do you feel like you ARE getting more done, though?"
Amy
"FishMama- I admit, it was truly scary. You can see my to-do list from before. There is no reason you can't do more or work ahead, but the goal is to simplify the list to help cut down on that feeling of defeat and anxiety throughout the day that goes along with not completing goals. You can also work in Wish List items. If you try it, let me know what you think. For me, it has made me more calm and at peace. Smaller goals that are attainable.
GREAT discussion, everyone!"
Lori
"Amy, this is great. Thanks so much for writing this post!
My lists were looking very much like yours. I dropped off the cleaning items a long time ago, and the only time they make it to the list is when they are really, really, and I mean really far behind (like mopping floors since I hate that). I also keep a separate "big item" list, and when things on the "small" list are done, I'll hit something off the big list.
Can't believe I came up w/that on my own and your coach is suggesting it too! Glad to hear I am on the right track."
Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net
"Amy, very good, thought-provoking post!
I'm finding that by actually having a to-do list written down has helped me immensely. I mean, I used to live by them while I held a corporate job - now with the mommy/wife job, it wasn't in the picture when we know that this job is much harder to manage!
And, for your wish to-do list, I know you will accomplish them...well, maybe not marry Brad (he has lots of kids now anyway - that would mess up your to-list :-).
My wish to-do list, um...Vacation to Europe, Increase Blog Traffic, and get to meet me bloggy buddies (including you). Wait, I will *meet* you at Blissdom. See, one will be marked off by February. This is gonna be a great year!
Have a great day!"
Ginger Jager
"Ooh, I need to work on this. My typical behavior is to make a list, and then I feel all accomplished because I have a neat list of everything that is crushing me in my day to day life. And I barely got anything done on it because making the list exhausted me!! And sometimes I made lists...of list.
I like the idea of having a totally manageable daily list and then a bigger list too. I'm going to try this out. It's on my list. (ha ha, J/K)."
Megan@SortaCrunchy
"AMY!! Thank you for this!!!!
I have struggled with to-do list defeat for years. Mine looked just like yours - I can completely identify with what you shared here.
I love this simplified idea! In fact, I've been using Simple Mom's home management Daily Dockets, and she kind of plays on the same idea with three Most Important Things for the day. If I can get those three done, then I move down into my other "chores." If not, well, at least the three big ones of the day were accomplished.
I love the idea of seperating your home management goals and your business goals and making meaningful progress on each every day.
This is SO helpful. Thank you!"
Org Junkie
"This is exactly what I just started doing and it is working wonderfully. You are right, it is so much easier than staring at a huge to do list.
Happy New Year :)"
Melitsa
"I've always been a fan of a giant brain dump of all that needs to be done. Wait a while then prioritise what needs to be done/must could/should would be great. I add as things pop up. By Mid week it can feel overwhelming but at least it's on paper and not giving me a headache trying to remember everything.
Should try your way. Thanks for sharing.
Your playing with the kids to do means you must have completed your
play audit ;)
Good luck with Brad Pitt. But hear there's a long line and.....wait time."
"I am on my way to make a list to make a list! Seriously...I am not a list maker, but the idea of only six things to do could put me on my road to a better organized self!"
LuAnn
"I had just finished making my to-do list for today. It has 15 items on it. I am going to take your suggestions and pare it down to 6. I bet I will feel better trying to do 6 things rather than 15. Thanks for your post."
Your Frugal Friend, Niki
"Wow.
You clean. A lot.
Maybe you can try to set up your cleaning in two chunks per week, like upstairs and downstairs?
:)
Good luck on sticking to your simplified list!"
Amy
"Niki- Ha! Well, that was my old schedule and it was divided between levels to be more "manageable." You can see how well that worked out. :) I just wanted to use that as an example of how to-do schedules can get out of hand.
I also won't be marrying Brad Pitt :)"
Lindsay
"What a great post. I just read the Real Simple magazine for this month. It was all about to-do lists. They had a lot of great tips. But it is much more fun to finish your whole list instead of just a few things on the list :-)"
Nancy
"Good post Amy. I have a weekly to do list which I create on Sundays. It includes things like extra activities for kids, phone calls to be made, dr. appts., etc. I don't include cleaning/household items on my list as I've found they get done when needed (most of the time). The only time I've made a list for such is if we're having company and then I get everyone in the family on board to help.
I used to feel overwhelmed by my to do list (pre children). Once I became a mom, I learned to lower my standards a little bit, which honestly are more reasonable than what they were before. It used to be that I couldn't sit or sleep until that list was done and that just made me hard to live with and cranky. It's all about prioritizing."
*carrie*
"Amy,
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on to-do lists. I think we can all relate to feeling like we should be getting more done, and not always knowing where to start.
I do need to add a to-do item to your list for the day, though: click over here and listen to the playlist. You're going to love her music!! http://www.myspace.com/erinmccarley"
phoward336
"What a great idea - my to do list is ALWAYS too long and I never accomplish it. I may just have to try the six item list!"
Kara
"This was a great post to read. I also struggle regularly with my to-do lists, and then feel defeated when very little gets marked off. I think I will start having a giant list...like you mentioned, where I keep everything written down (so I don't have to try to remember). Then every day I will pick a few items off the list (or just use some new ones) and put them on a "today" list. Thanks for this post. :)"
YRP Jen
"Balance in life has been difficult for me lately as we just launched a new website.
Thanks for a great blog!"
Taylor at Household Management 101
"Amy,
What an inspiring post as I sit here today in my office and get nothing accomplished because I have too much to do!!!
You are so right about making a shorter list -- it is the way to go. I did something similar while on maternity leave with my third child. I had a very small manageable list for the day, which included feed the baby as much as she needs, sleep when she naps, wash her bottles, and do one load of laundry. Frankly, with sleep deprivation and the needs of a newborn, that was about all I could do. Oh, and try to spend time with my other kids when they got home from school and daycare, respectively.
Once I was back to work, I went back to my overlong to do list that has gotten me overwhelmed. Your post was just the kick in the pants I needed to try again with this more simplistic to do list, like I successfully used before.
Off to make a QUICK list and hopefully actually get something accomplished."
Lori
"I just came back to revisit this post when I realized that I can implement this at work too! I've got so many projects going on right now that my old way of tracking to do's isn't working out like it used to. I'm going to attempt this (maybe modified some) with my work to do's!"
Amy
"Lori- That is so true! Please let me know how it works out for you with your business too! I love that it can be applied in so many ways."
natalie
"Really good, important post, esp for busy moms who needlessly beat themselves upside the head for what they "fail" to do."
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and just felt completely and utterly overwhelmed before you even start? My day was often looking like that and rarely did I actually ever complete all of the things off of the list. I would end my day defeated before the next day had ever begun. While the high of checking things off the list was there, the items left unchecked left me feeling less euphoric about what was actually accomplished.
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My to-do list is a little different - on Sunday afternoon I check my calendar (so I can include things like dr. appts) & I make a 'broad picture' list for the week, including phone calls I need to make, things that MUST be done (like paying bills) & other tasks like library trips, etc.
If something has to be accomplished on a certain day, I simply write that day next to it & hi-light it.
I rarely include cleaning-type items on my list as I find they get taken care of when needed, i.e. I wipe down the boys' bathroom everyday. My kitchen is always cleaned after dinner (thanks, dh!), I do one load of laundry per day, started when I start the coffee & finished when I have a minute - usually during lunchtime.
The bigger home maintenance-type things are written in on my calendar, so when it rolls around I add it in. Otherwise, I would never remember those things!
For Heaven's sake, I didn't realize this was so long - I should've written my own post! But just wanted to say, I will be using the Giant Wish List. Great idea! And your goals on it sound great; I'm sure you'll meet all of them (except maybe Brad Pitt *smile*)!"