Making Lists are Key to an Organized Life
A few years ago, I relied on my memory to get me through each day. As I have gotten older, I have a lot more responsibilities and tasks that need to get done daily, weekly, and monthly.
With these added tasks, it did not take long before my “forgetfulness” wore me thin, and I sought an easier way.
Now I LOVE making checklists, spreadsheets, shopping lists, to-do lists, and more! I see how effective they are, and I embraced having to use them for even the simplest of things.
Here are some types of lists to get you started:
Grocery Lists: Use categories like: poultry, produce, canned foods, breads and cereal, dairy, snacks, etc.
General Shopping Lists: cleaning, decorating, toiletries, medication, apparel, electronics, miscellaneous, etc.
Appointments: meetings, lunch-date, doctor, dentist, optometrist, etc.
Cleaning Schedules: List each day of the week, and list each chore that needs to be done and how often/which day.
Work Schedules: List employee name, create table/graph, date and time, their hours, available hours, vacations, personal leave, etc.
Recipes: frozen meals, crock-pot meals, 5-minute meals, 20-minute meals, etc.
Freezer & Pantry Inventory List: Take and keep inventory of what you have, making it easier when writing your grocery list!
Reminders: pickup kids, kids activities, Bible study, book club, appointments, dinner, etc.
Ideas & Goals: List things that are on your mind, and what you would like to accomplish. Also, give yourself time-frames.
Day-to-Day Tasks: Also known as the “to-do list”. List your biggest tasks first.
Once you start using these lists, your mind will not be as cluttered, and you will run a greater chance of NOT forgetting.
It is important to realize that it is not because you are getting “old”, or that your memory is failing–it is because we have a lot of demands in our life! Kids, school, work, doctor and dentist appointments, meetings, meal planning, grocery shopping, deadlines!
Face it, we are overwhelmed women and there is nothing wrong with writing things down. Jotting things down means that you are taking control of your hectic life, and that you want to keep things in order.
Once I started making lists, I started managing a calendar, and then I started keeping a bill binder, a household binder (for emergency preparation, important numbers, etc.), and a meal planner! Once you organize your thoughts by writing them down, you find yourself working on other areas to organize.
This is powerful time management. How many times have you had to call your husband, find an email, or look up a phone number to verify with someone about something? All of that chaos can be avoided by simply using a planner or simple notebook to WRITE THINGS DOWN.
There are so many more lists you can create for yourself based on your specific needs. There are many free printable lists to download online. There are also lunch box planners to plan ahead of time how you pack your kid’s (or your) lunch.
All you have to do is rather than feeling mentally scrambled, let your mind focus on better things and keep a record of things you need to remember. This will also help if you are ever sick, that way everyone else knows what to look for and what needs to be done.
Do not hesitate to get started! I find it very liberating to check things off my list each day.
I hope you found this helpful.
Copyright © Rachel Criner, Moms of Faith®, All Rights Reserved
