As mentioned in my opening post, Hey World, Here I Am! I’m a list maker, so first, let’s talk about why I love lists. Simply put, I love making lists because it’s FUN!
You’ll also notice that some of my lists are numbered 100 Ways to… or some other nicely rounded number. I’ll tell you why.
And now, in no particular order, here’s my list:
- Lists Aid in Getting Things Done
I make a to-do list every day. It lets me see what is most important to do. It’s a reminder that I have a dental appointment at 10:30 am, and if I forget it they’ll charge me a no-show fee. Ouch! Lists help me to be reliable and punctual.
- Lists Hold Me Accountable
Let’s face it; not everyone has the time to be my accountability buddy so I have to be my own.
- Lists are a Record of Accomplishment
In 2016, I had a project to write letters. The plan was to write every day. I ended up writing 147 letters. Not bad! I’m doing it again this year. So far, up to August 2018, I have written 80 letters.
- Lists Inventory My Stuff
Lists help me discover whether I have too many or too little of something. I have too many things.
- Lists Increase Self-Knowledge
Lists make me aware of myself. What things make me happy? When I feel down, I just look at my list and focus on a number of those things. The moon, rocks, acorns. Sigh. Notice a pattern?
- Lists are a Map Towards Personal Development
Personal development lists help me define my goals, prioritize, develop new skills, map out the steps and deadlines and then act on those goals. Let’s say I want to have more fun in life. How am I gonna do it?
- Lists Rank and Prioritize
Lists that rank and prioritize help me choose a course of action. Yelp’s Best Peruvian Restaurants in Dallas, tells me the restaurant I tried, El Tesoro del Inca was in the top 10. Read about it here. The 10 Happiest Countries in the World in 2018 guides me to consider a move to Finland (ranked number 1). No thanks. Not a cold weather gal. I guess I could make a list of warm weather places I’m willing to move to. 😀
- Lists are Meaningful
A numbered list may be symbolic. For example, I made a playlist of 25 songs for our 25th wedding anniversary. When I presented it to my husband, he was visibly moved, saying it was the most romantic gift he had ever received.
- Lists Help Me Brainstorm
Lists of 100 help me thoroughly analyze a subject. The first 30 on the list will be easy, a no-brainer. The next 40 will be harder and may show patterns. The last 30 will make me dig deep, going from the conscious to the sub-conscious to come up with unusual or unique solutions.
- Lists Help Me Think Things Through
Why are some lists are bundled in nice, even numbers like 10 or 100? It’s because 10 is a complete number. So is 100. It instills confidence that I have thought it through. If I create a list of 7 Reasons Why I Love… I might think, “Is that it, Nanci? Couldn’t you come up with 3 more?” Or if I add 1 more, like 101 Ways to … that means I have really thought it out.
List-making makes me happy. Topics for lists are endless. Try it. It may relieve your anxiety, help you accomplish more, and motivate you to a better life.
I’d love to hear your comments. What’s in your list?
I really agree with what you said. Just today, during our visit to the English convention, I began thinking 🤔, on how I need to start taking notes. So that will be 1st on my list
Great idea! I hope you get a beautiful journal to take your notes in.
I have lists for every day of the week. I also have a list of projects I want to complete. I want to make a list of all the movies I have and all the music cd’s I have. My biggest project will be to list all my needlework I have and a separate one for the ones I have started.
You are a kindred spirit! Keep it up!
Cool topic Nanci!!
I do agree with you about making a list…I just LOVE checking off the things I was able to do…it definitely gives you a sense of accomplishment!!! Also since I can’t depend on my noggin anymore, making a list helps me not have to go to the store needlessly a 2nd time!!…
Save time, gas, personal energy, and money when you put pen and paper together to make a good’ol list!!
Making lists seems to be a popular activity nowadays. I wonder if it’s because our lives have become so busy. You have given me a new idea for a blog post about when list making caught on. In other words: the history of list making. Thanks! 😉
I have created to-do lists since I was a kid. About 30 years ago I was introduced to a day planner. Which takes making lists to a whole ‘nother Level. It fosters horizontal planning across days, integrates ur whole life both personal and professional. My kids called it my brain book because Everthing had to be written down or it wasn’t going to happen. I carry it with me everywhere. Tried using mobile devices but it is too invasive when u think of something like during a meeting and u pull out ur electronic device vs. jus jogging it down in ur planner. I will probably use it the rest of my life because even if I retire from my current employment I know me – I will still GE over scheduled. Gonna write down some self care tips u suggested in my planner right after this!
I agree with you about using electronics for jotting down something in the presence of others. Thanks for sharing.
Nanci thank you so much for the insperation to start making more lists in my life!
You are welcome!