| That's a great question, especially as the holidays are just
around the corner, which always seems to require lists of their own. Which can be overwhelming since it already
seems like my lists have lists. I feel like I've tried just about everything
– from Word documents to Excel spreadsheets (Black taught me how as I thought
it was just for numbers!) to using a discontinued version of Franklin Planner. I drove myself crazy trying to find a perfect
solution and ended up spending more time making my lists than actually doing
things on my list.
Anyway, I use good ole fashioned paper and different colored pens to indicate the priority. And because it's still too easy to let a day (or two or three) get away from me, I'll often put a Post-It note on the edge of my computer screen or my desk for those things that absolutely must get done today or the next day. If I'm out or not at my desk, I'll email myself a note so that I won't forget. I know some people use their phones to keep lists, but I can't imagine ever doing that because I get such satisfaction from crossing things off my list. I know, I need a life. |
|
I believe it is the thought process, not the method, which leads
to productive lists. This may, to some
extent, explain why there are so many to-do list apps, as everyone has different criteria, not to
mention being used to using specific platforms.
Regardless, keep in mind that anything you can do with technology, you can do with paper. In fact, I find doing it the old-fashioned way – using pen and paper – works best for me as the written list then becomes a "commitment" I make with myself. And, establishing priorities is critical, although how you note them is personal preference. I keep a monthly paper calendar and write high-priority items and deadlines on it … but in pencil. That way, I can erase them when they are done – as I prefer to look at a clean calendar versus one with items crossed off. However, the satisfaction of completing things on your to-do list is the same independent of the method used. |
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| Are you kidding?! I'm a cookie-baking carpool mom, and although we had just published a book based on my "crisis", we didn't even think of ourselves as authors. (My sister saved our emails and Instant Messages, and has never told me if she taped our phone conversations!) And the book was supposed to be the basis of a sitcom! We had literally done one speaking engagement and now were being asked to get in front of classrooms full of high school seniors for a semester-long course. During their LAST semester! Surprised? "Shocked" might be a better word. Or, maybe "panicked." |
| My immediate reaction was, "Sure, not a problem." Then, while Red was busy panicking, I focused on how to get it done. The request was in keeping with KIPP's approach to looking for non-traditional methods of educating students, so they agreed when I asked for a task force of students to help us develop the program. (I knew it had to be relevant or there was no point in doing it.) And, it was the students who suggested we use our book as a textbook, calling it a "reality show in a book" … which, at least, validated my idea that the book could be the basis of a sitcom. |
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Image on screen is from "What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!"
| Oh, there are more days than I'd care to admit that I'd be grateful if it were just my desk that had too much paper on it, as I've been known to use my floor as a filing system. Really! And I've been known to complain about feeling like I'm drowning in paper on way more than one occasion. So, what do I do? Well, after kicking myself for letting things (once again) get out of hand instead of keeping on top of the paper clutter, I take a deep breath and remember the advice that Black gave me years ago. And although I initially resisted following her advice, once I gave in, I found it was the perfect (and easiest) way to turn mountains of paper into manageable stacks. But since it's her "system", I'll let her explain it to you. |
| All those words and Red provided only empathy — but no real advice. However, she raises a good point in that paper will always accumulate, and we should strive to keep it from getting out of control … versus trying to control it "perfectly". Now, in terms of the advice I gave Red, our accountants would suggest I refer you to our book, but I hate when people do that. Instead, we put the relevant excerpt on this site: Too Much Paper — Not Enough Time. But, here is a short version ("short" in terms of explanation, not the time it will take to make the piles shrink): take a handful of papers and begin sorting them into piles based on priority — immediate, this week, next week, next month, next lifetime. You will quickly realize that the majority of the items will be very low priority, such as reading, filing, or shredding. And, separating out the highest-priority items will not only help you focus on them, but will also reduce the stress of wondering if there is something important you are forgetting to do. |
Don’t Expect A Compliment From A Sarcastic Sister — But Have A Comeback