I'm not big into lists. But today I had a million things running around in my head and I had to put them down on paper. I was hoping that once I did I wouldn't feel quite as overwhelmed and be able to make some sort of order out of it. Once I made the list, I thought I'd label each to do item in the list: daily, weekly, monthly, and big project.
When my son was in the first grade, we determined that he had a learning disability. I think he must have gotten it from me. He used to get overwhelmed with his assignments. So much so he couldn't complete any of them because seeing the entire list of them on the chalkboard overwhelmed him so much he just gave up before he started. I sat there and looked at my list and I just wanted to give up.
But...there is a solution. Cover all but one item and focus on that one item until you get it completed. Then uncover the next. It was a lifesaver for my son and it may be the lifesaver I need as well. It might just be why I can't seem to finish one thing because I "multi-task". I do 100 different things all at the same time and can't focus on any of them.
Having an epiphany,
Walden Fan
It's that time of year--the infamous New Year's resolution lists: lose weight, exercise, stop smoking, diet, learn a foreign language, finish that book. We've all made them. Every year we pull out the pencil and paper and we make a list. And by about January 20th we realize we have no intention of doing any of it and that list has become nothing more than a reminder of how we fail.
So this year, after reading an article in Real Simple magazine, I've decided to make a Not-to-do List instead. I challenge you to do the same. Break the pattern of frustration and failure!
1. I won't let myself be caught up in things I have no control over.
I've realized that most of the things I get stressed out about never happen.
2. I'm not going to worry.
It may give you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.
3. I will not try to please everyone.
I've finally realized it's impossible to make everyone happy.
4. I will not save things for "special" occasions.
Every day is a special day and those things can make a routine day more joyful.
5. I will not give in to peer pressure to die my hair.
I've earned every last one of my gray hairs!
6. I won't waste my time with negative people.
It's time to surround myself with people who see the glass half full.
7. I won't over commit.
I'm going to weed out things in my life that are only obligations.
8. I won't say "someday" any more.
Today is the day...carpe diem!
9. I will not take the blame for things that aren't my fault.
Heaven knows there are plenty of things that are.
10. I'm not going to freak out about the economy.
I'll use this time to be more frugal and get back to the basics.
Happy New Year!
Walden Fan
Posts
