Over the last ten years (at least), I've used to do lists in some way, shape, or form. I've always kept myself organized (though it REALLY doesn't look like it sometimes), but my system is definitely my own.
I like crossing things off the list once I complete them. It has typically given me a sense of being productive. I've used paper, notebooks and, more recently, my iPad to organize my lists.
I've also been using to do lists to write down things when I remember I need to do something. Because if I don't write it down, I totally forget that I need to do it.
But what I have realized lately is that my to do list has been making me feel a bit cranky. Not because I have to actually do stuff, but because I have a tendency to put TOO MUCH on my list each day and when I can't cross everything off, it causes a slight feeling of failure. I just realized yesterday that this was a cause of feeling overwhelmed.
The other downfall is that I tend to put very big and broad items on my to do list, which can't possibly get done in one day. I fail to break it down into more manageable tasks (which is highly suggested) in order to feel productive.
I've been finding that my to do lists feel more like foe lately, even though I can't bring myself to stop making them. But what I really need to do is adjust the content and volume of my to do lists, breaking things down into manageable tasks.
Do you use a to do list? Do you find them to be overwhelming or helpful?
No comments:
Post a Comment