Table Talk Thursday: How NOT To Get Everything Done

5. Download
Sometimes I have trouble accomplishing everything that I need to simply because I am thinking of it ALL at once. My mind moves from one “gotta do this” to “gotta do that”. By the time my mind bounces I have wasted precious time thinking and not actually doing. My first step is to sit down and make an GINORMOUS LIST (Name that Christmas movie?). Seriously, I write down everything that I can possibly think of, until I cant think anymore. Sometimes I will do this over a matter of hours, keeping the list handy until I have downloaded every task that is on my mind – big or small. I have to admit that something about making a list is fun for me and I have even been known to get out colored paper or makers and style up my list. As I think of new things throughout the process, I simply add them in.

4. Delete
Now that I have vomited on paper, I can breath a sigh that I am not going to forget something. More importantly I can see what has been controlling my thoughts and take control of it. If you are like me, you are probably taking on mo than you should. What can you delete from your list? What can you postpone? Begin crossing things off. Free yourself. Let go. You are not all things to all people, so give up trying to please. Choose the things that represent you as a person, that fulfill you and you are passionate about. If you are not, pass it on to someone else. Take time to rest, to pray, to “veg” or “lay like broccoli”. (Anybody get this movie quote?)

3. Determine
Once my ginormous list is done and things have been deleted, I determine what takes priority over the others. This week I used this 1-5 numbering system:

1 – to be done in the next 24 hours

2 – to be done in the next 3 days

3 – to be done before Christmas

4 – to be done when my schedule clears after Christmas

5 – still on the list, but have no time frame of completion

2. Detail
Once I have list numbered, I re-do it (or re-order if I’m typing it in Excel). I will put a big “1″ and list all the things to be done first underneath. I will follow with “2″ and so on. Now I can focus on all the number ones – my priorities! From there I will go to my number 2′s, and etc. With everything on one list you can also plan different time blocks where you can package all the like tasks – such as…errands, calls, online orders, etc. Make the most of your time and gas!

1. Do
Now that you have spent the time making the list and the plan, let’s make it happen! Before I leave for errands, I run through my list, making sure I have grocery bags, receipts, and etc. for each task. I mark each item off as I do it; the more I accomplish, the more that I am focused to accomplish more. Through all the doing, I make sure I am resting and re-cooping.

Make the choice to have a great holiday season! Don’t spend too much time doing but being with the people that you love. Merry Christmas!