We always think about things we have to do at home to prepare for the holidays, but what about the things at work? We know there are always things that we’ve put off until we are preparing to go on vacation and then they needed to be done yesterday. For me, that is the most stressful time since those things HAVE to be done before I leave that day. So what happens?

We make a list.

Lists can help me feel accomplished but they can also make me feel lazy.  It feels really good to cross things off and to have a completed list at the end of the day.  But on the other hand, when you have half a list left and it’s time to call it quits for the day, it makes you feel unproductive. 

I’ve done the dump list and the quadrant methods. Written the top three and forgot the rest...or at least tried. I have completed the top three and I have also failed to complete any of the top three.  Being a single mom has plenty of challenges but add in an unreliable second parent’s schedule and it’s near impossible to stick to A schedule much less finish a to-do list!

This leads me to feelings of inadequacy such as: I waste too much time, I don’t have enough knowledge to move my business forward, I don’t show up enough, etc. these are all accurate but this leads me to using them as a crutch rather than motivation.  

Making a better list!

I’ve slowly learned over the years that no matter what I put on the list, there has to be a driving factor for me to get them done. I can finish 3 projects, 8 emails, and set up my out of office message in 4 hours when I know I’m setting myself up for an easy return to work. So, only select the things you are going to do based on why they need to be done.

Want your dream job and the application is due in a week? I bet you will think about your resume all week and then do it and turn it in on the last day. You will be filled with adrenaline and excitement at the new job and because you have been thinking about it all week, your creativity will be running high when you write your resume, racing to beat the clock.

So, create your list digitally or old school paper, and bust out the quick easy items first. Mark them off or delete them. Feeling the power of the win yet? If not, then move on to the next item easy to tackle.

Peace and Love,

Teresea

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