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To-Do List Transformation

My “to-do” list is by no means an organized endeavor. Sometimes it’s a multitude of sticky notes in random places I’ll probably not see til the next day, or a list written in the physical or digital calendar I keep…but rarely look at. I’m hopeless.

 

What’s worse is that my list is usually COMPLETELY undoable, consisting of items only a fairy godmother could magically accomplish in a 24-hour period. It’s also usually filled with tasks that I avoid like the PLAGUE, as if writing them down will make me any more likely to complete them.

Admittedly, I am a master at setting completely, unattainable goals

(which I blame on my optimistic personality).

Also working against me is the myriad of interruptions that take place during my day, like calls from teachers and principals (we’re “that” family). Then there’s my poor planning which results in rushing to forgotten appointments and thus forgetting laundry in the washer until the smell of mildew reaches my senses. Add to that the stuff that wasn’t on the list to start with but had to get done (homeschooling, keeping people and pets alive, etc.).

And last but not least, there’s my slightly irresponsible fun-loving nature that wants to do all the “fun, creative, enjoyable” stuff… not on my list…

By the end of the day, I end up sighing at the still full list, and then quickly jot down all the things I DID do and immediately cross them off just to encourage myself that I accomplished something. (Surely I’m not the only one who does this?)

But this week I made an amazing (however accidental) discovery: I was going about this list ALL. WRONG.

Here’s how this epiphany went down:

Knowing I had a small window of about 3 hours before all my kids came home from school early (compliments of hurricane Irma), I only wrote down on my “list” the 4 things that absolutely had to get done:

  1. Quiet Time (Don’t judge me. Us ADD’ers have to pencil Jesus in or we’re like, “Dear Heavenly Father… – SQUIRREL!”)
  2. Homeschool daughter (again, you may laugh, but I forget this takes up much of my day)
  3. Finish laundry invading laundry room.
  4. Write an important email catching up with a friend and write the 2 Compassion Kids we sponsor who RARELY GET LETTERS (this has been on my “to-do” list for WEEKS)

(*notice- no plans for dinner – I was catching a break because it was “leftover night”).

Later that evening, while recounting to the hubs the 4 things I got done, I realized how insignificant my accomplishments appeared.

That’s when it hit me – I had an amazing day with my kids, and needed to make a “Nailed It List” to read off next to my paltry now-neatly-checked-off  “to-do” list. 

Seriously, Monday was jammed pack full of achievement and progress!

Here were my grand slams of the day:

  1. Cuddle session on the couch with daughter while reading aloud from our favorite book series together,
  2. Patiently helped struggling son with homework and praised him for his efforts and triumph,
  3. Played a game with one of my kiddos (kicked his butt, btw…)
  4. Was intentionally engaged with the kids during a couple of their “sibling arguments” to direct them in stronger, more effective ways of dealing with conflict,
  5. Quality time with the boys that night reading aloud an intriguing “the-whole-world’s-gonna-end-in-100-days” type of sci-fi book that my 13yo has been begging me to read,
  6. Continued working on a 2000 piece Star Wars jig saw puzzle with one son, (but seriously Nana, no more 2000 piece puzzles for a LONG time, mkay?),
  7. Cuddled with my dog – the best “therapy” a mom can get…

I could go on and on, but you get the idea, right? Focusing on what doesn’t get accomplished leads to lack of joy and ability to be “present” with my family. But focusing on the “Nailed-It” list? This is my new days’-end go-to. What was achieved that matters most? That counted for eternity? My “to-do” list is now much shorter each day. But it’s a means to help me accomplish the “nailed-it” list. And THAT’S worth writing down:).

How are you intentional about accomplishing what matters most in your family? I’d love to hear how you’re nailing it!!

5 Comments

  1. For good or for bad….you sounded just like your mother…and you ARE “nailing it”, day by day. Look at the results – only by God’s strength, wisdom and mercy. Love you – Mom

  2. I like that perspective. I am a to-do lister. I feel accomplished at the end of the day when I cross something off. But feel bummed and disappointed when I don’t. But you’re right. Being with our kids and looking at those “wins” are more important that the to-do list stuff (although dinner is a pretty close second 😉)

    1. <3! I have started cooking dinner in the morning, or it just doesn't happen...peacefully, anyway:)

  3. Absolutely love the nailed-it idea! I’m a list maker too, about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. lol Loving your blog ♡ You are the light-hearted humor and reality everyone could use to brighten their days.

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