The Power of a “Should” List
If you are a creative-type, you’ve got a cacophony of noise going on in your head that sounds a little bit like this:
“I have to remember to pick up canvases the next time I’m at the art supply store.”
“Ugh, don’t forget to write that guest post for XX, she needs it by Friday.”
“Did I remember to respond to that email?” (this one often shows up around 2:00 a.m.)
The truth is we all have too much on our plates and swirling in our brains, whether we identify as being a creative or not.
So what do we do with all this noise?
You don't have to be this organized in order to capture all that data in your head ... Here’s what not to do: don’t try to remember it all.
Attempting to remember all these “shoulds” is a recipe for disaster. Something will slip through the cracks. Something will get lost in the shuffle. Something will end up not only being unproductive, but likely throwing a wrench in your well-organized plans.
Instead, write it down.
Make four lists: one for home stuff, one for work stuff, one for personal stuff and one for creative stuff. This can be done simply and easily just with a pen and paper. Or you could get all fancy and use something like this project tracking tool.
Once you’ve got your pages titled appropriately, start throwing stuff onto them. Carry them with you or at least keep them close at hand--maybe tucked into your Dayrunner or other organizer. I love Erin’s “My Frugal Home Binder System.” Write it down ugly ... Don’t worry about making these lists pretty or in a certain order. Just write down the next thing that comes to mind whenever it needs capturing. You can work with the lists later and make them as complicated and/or beautifully designed as you like.
It will take a big, huge load off of your brain to have these lists going. No longer will it feel as though there is a tornado of information, facts, bits of assignments or “don’t forgets” swirling in your already fatigued mind. Now you can easily and quickly jot the item(s) down and move on with your day.
Note: I originally read a variation of this plan in The Seven-Minute Solution, by Allyson Lewis, a book that I’d highly recommend.
Hope the power of the “Should” list is helpful for you! If you have questions or want to tell me how it works for you, please get in touch.
“I have to remember to pick up canvases the next time I’m at the art supply store.”
“Ugh, don’t forget to write that guest post for XX, she needs it by Friday.”
“Did I remember to respond to that email?” (this one often shows up around 2:00 a.m.)
The truth is we all have too much on our plates and swirling in our brains, whether we identify as being a creative or not.
So what do we do with all this noise?
You don't have to be this organized in order to capture all that data in your head ... Here’s what not to do: don’t try to remember it all. Attempting to remember all these “shoulds” is a recipe for disaster. Something will slip through the cracks. Something will get lost in the shuffle. Something will end up not only being unproductive, but likely throwing a wrench in your well-organized plans.
Instead, write it down.
Make four lists: one for home stuff, one for work stuff, one for personal stuff and one for creative stuff. This can be done simply and easily just with a pen and paper. Or you could get all fancy and use something like this project tracking tool.
Once you’ve got your pages titled appropriately, start throwing stuff onto them. Carry them with you or at least keep them close at hand--maybe tucked into your Dayrunner or other organizer. I love Erin’s “My Frugal Home Binder System.” Write it down ugly ... Don’t worry about making these lists pretty or in a certain order. Just write down the next thing that comes to mind whenever it needs capturing. You can work with the lists later and make them as complicated and/or beautifully designed as you like.
It will take a big, huge load off of your brain to have these lists going. No longer will it feel as though there is a tornado of information, facts, bits of assignments or “don’t forgets” swirling in your already fatigued mind. Now you can easily and quickly jot the item(s) down and move on with your day.
Note: I originally read a variation of this plan in The Seven-Minute Solution, by Allyson Lewis, a book that I’d highly recommend.
Hope the power of the “Should” list is helpful for you! If you have questions or want to tell me how it works for you, please get in touch.
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