It’s time to ditch the traditional to-do list once and for all
“You don’t need more time in the day. You need to decide.” ~Seth Godin
Wouldn’t you rather say “TaDa, I’m done!” at the end of each day instead of looking at an unfinished to-do list? Then it’s time to make some decisions.
Decide what to delete from your to-do list.
There are probably items on your daily to-do list that could be deleted. Get real with yourself by making a master list of all your responsibilities. This might be a very long list, but that’s OK. The more you can add the better because it will give you the true story of all the things you (and others) expect of you.
Delete the things you never-ever seem to get to. If you always put ‘meal prep’ on your to-do list, but never get to it, delete it! It’s OK that you don’t get to it (whatever ‘it’ is for you). It’s just not a priority right now. Take it off your list so you don’t feel defeated every time you see that it wasn’t done.
Delete the tasks that add no real value to you/your family’s lives. Sometimes, we do certain tasks simply because we’ve always done them or because we are procrastinating. This is known as busywork. An example might be making sure your closet is perfectly organized every day or reading every single unimportant email in your inbox.
Decide what to delegate.
When my children were little my mama gave me some great advice. She said, “Don’t do things for other people that they can do for themselves.”
It’s pretty common to want to do all the things. I know I was (am) guilty of it. When I want something done, I want it done now which means I usually end up doing it myself.
However, I have softened my expectations, and am getting better at delegating because the more I delegate the faster I get to say, “TaDa, I’m done.” Plus, turning over a to-do list item to someone else shows that you believe in their abilities, so it’s a complement (right?)
Delegate these things:
- Something you are not very good at doing.
- Anything you really, really hate doing.
- Things other people could really be doing for themselves (washing their own laundry, making their own lunches, school projects, etc).
Decide what to add to your list.
This is the fun part! Add in the good stuff. Now that you’ve decluttered your to-do list you have room to add things that make you a better, happier and healthier version of yourself.
This is your Daily Dozen. What are 12 things you can do every single day that will support you? I’ll share my daily dozen as an illustration:
- Move my body
- Meditate
- Hug someone
- Connect with someone outside of my family
- Listen to music
- Find one piece of gratitude
- Breathe intentionally
- Love on my plants
- Light a candle
- Go outside
- Smile/laugh
- Read for fun
These are small, mindless acts that take little time, but add tons of value. Write them down and do them every day.
The TaDa List.
Now, you are left with a more manageable, fun-filled list.
This is your TaDa List!
Recap:
- Delete
- Delegate
- Add in the good stuff
Most people hardly ever take the time to reevaluate their responsibilities on a consistent basis. Most people also never ask for help (mamas, I’m talking to you). If you don’t ask for help, you are never going to get it. Downsize your overloaded to-do list and turn it into an easy-breezy, chilled out TaDa List!
If you want create a home that supports you and your priorities, check out the Club and join our free Loving Your Home Community.