“When I was stuck in chaos, I scribbled and typed a few words. That made me feel alright and fixed a lot of problems.”
I’ve been making lists since years.
Then, I was in high-school. I wrote lists to remember homework and other stuff. But now when I look back, it seems to be one of the most worthwhile habits I’ve developed.
What I’d like to admit is that though making lists is a simple process (because I only need to scribble my thoughts), it significantly impacted my work and life.
Not to sound too vague, I’m suggesting that making lists can be a lot beneficial for you.
Here are some good reasons why you should create lists
Honestly, while there are many positive reasons to make lists, here are the important ones which sort of sum it all up.
- You understand your thoughts better by expressing them.
- You set goals to follow, and specific milestones to complete.
- You’re more likely to finish the goals you set, as you realize them.
- You assess and track your progress regularly.
- You stick to your plans longer when you can see them often.
- Your self-belief strengthens when you tick-off items and finish tasks.
Overall, list making is about preparing yourself for the outcomes, taking responsibility to work on them, and finally reaching your goals to feel the joy and success you had aimed for.
Also, the habit of making lists has several psychological advantages. For instance, it reduces anxiety and brings order to your life.
In short, it’s a useful habit.
If you’ve not been a listmaker, then simply open a word file, or grab a pencil and piece of paper after you finish reading this post. Create a list. That would be a fine way to get started.
Here are some lists you must make for an easier and organized life
1. List of little things
Add any little ideas which you’ve always wanted to do, regardless of what they are.
When you fill your life with tiny aspirations and work for them, you become capable of staying happy forever. You gather enough opportunities to celebrate and laugh.
Examples.
- Give a speech on stage.
- Write a poem.
- Call my best friend.
Small achievements bring spurts of smiles to you.
They keep you involved in activities which matter to you.
2. Stuff I want to buy
This should be simple.
Firstly, make a list of items you need and the ones which hold value for you. Then organize the list so you can decide your priorities.
Once you do that, you can decide what you should purchase first and make changes based on your budget, requirements, and lifestyle.
Examples.
- White oxford shirt.
- A mobile charger.
- Color pencils.
It can be anything – big or small.
In the end, just ensure that you’re buying what really delights you, and you’re not for the sake of flaunting yourself, or because you’re trapped in materialism.
3. Long terms goals
Completing this list would require persistence, as you’d add activities which require some time. Still, it will contain what matters the most to you, and act much like a source of inspiration.
Set a goal that appears BIG.
Work towards it persistently.
That should be enough.
Examples.
- Take family for a vacation.
- Launch a music album.
- Buy a home.
Right now these goals may seem far away, though, the big picture keeps guiding you as you inch nearer with your efforts.
4. Things which keep me restless
Sounds odd?
It shouldn’t.
Lists are equally helpful in ending your emotional turmoil. You can use them to deal with your inner-conflicts and sadness. Writing down your feelings can be healing.
- I’m worried about my excess expenditure.
- I haven’t been getting enough sleep.
- I’m dishonest in my relationships and business.
Once you know what’s bothering you, you can change yourself, get rid of the guilt or stress, and be emotionally-free again. At least, you’d spot the pain decide to cure yourself.
5. Skills I want to learn
We’re all in a pursuit of becoming better.
Finding new skills to learn to enhance your abilities or quality of life is a proper step.
Your motive may be to learn, be better at your work, step outside your usual lifestyle, or to gain a sense of achievement. In all ways, you grow – and that’s a good thing. It’s a wise step to take actions which contribute to your personal development.
Examples.
- Practice a new language.
- Try Microsoft Excel.
- Learn to swim.
Choose a set of skills which excite you, or are most useful to you. Find a way to get started and actually do them.
6. Things I want to do but I’m not doing (due to fear or insecurities)
There’s always be something you want to do but you don’t do it.
You push it away.
You may behave such because you’re fearful, or because you’ve got used to procrastinating. In such case, it becomes important to remind yourself that you’ve been delaying your goals for too long.
List down the items which you’ve been trying to hide yourself from. Overcome your fears. Conquer your list again.
7. What I need to do to grow my career
Your work holds an immovable importance in life. You spend most of your effort and time doing it. It needs to be worth it, and should bring the outcomes you deserve.
Therefore it’s your duty to ensure that you’re headed towards the right path. That you’re prospering and fulfilling your responsibility.
Examples.
- Take a relevant certification course.
- Ask an acquaintance to mentor me.
- Email or call potential prospects for work.
Simply put together a list of actions you’re supposed to take and start somewhere.
8. What I need to do to make life better
Even when life appears to be perfect, it’s important to pause and reflect.
You may discover that you could’t control certain events. You were unable to complete your goals. Or something still feels amiss – as if you could’ve done better.
To prevent those feelings and create space for advancement, you can create a list of things you feel you could be doing to make life better.
Now, the items you add to your list may depend on various aspects of life your find yourself lacking in – such as emotional, health or financial.
Examples.
- Read finance-related books.
- Jog for twenty minutes a day.
- Learn to communicate effectively.
9. What I need to do now
Finally, take care of your present.
Keep a daily or weekly to-do list to remind yourself what you’re supposed to do in the exact moment.
If possible, set reminders on your phone, use a scribble-paper on your desk, or keep a regular notepad.
It can be really helpful when you’re busy with your chores and are more likely to forget your plans.
Examples.
- Print required documents.
- Get bike serviced.
- Submit assignment on Sunday.
Most chores are simpler to do when they’re right in front of you.
You don’t spend too much time thinking or worrying about them.
So, how can you get started?
Make lists that matter to you.
I suggested these lists because I thought they were important for me, but you may figure out what it is that you exactly need.
If you’ve made up your mind to create new lists then you can try out Google Keep and Todoist, which are both great note-taking and list apps. Just in case you need something more sophisticated, then you’ve got others options as well.
Or you can still rely on pen and paper.
That works great.