Check That Off

Oh, the sweet satisfaction of crossing an item off a list!  It is like a natural high, the invigorating sense of accomplishment of making that ‘X’ or 'check' next to the task at hand. 

I consider “to-do” lists an art form.  Yes, I am being utterly serious here.  My obsession with “to-do” lists began sometime during my teen years.  I can clearly hear my dad saying, “Jennifer if you would spend as much time actually doing what you are writing on that pretty list of yours, you would already be done!”  Rightfully so, I will admit that he was right and my love of lists was most likely a direct result of needing another form of procrastination (it is important to note that I was middle school and high school long before every teen had texting and Facebook to occupy their study time).  So, what started as a tool to avoid chores, studying and my worrywart behavior has now become an essential ingredient to my daily life. 

Yes, it may still be a form of procrastination at times, but now it is truly a necessity.  The forgetfulness that has accompanied my months of grief and stress has been overwhelming, lists help.  Those sleepless nights with ideas, reminders and must-do’s racing through your overwhelmed and restless brain, lists help.  Standing at the grocery store agonizing over that one item that you know you are not supposed to forget, but you have, lists help.  Packing for that trip (no matter how short), lists help.  Keeping up with thirty kindergartners and all that accompanies the day of a teacher, lists help.   Let’s just face the facts, lists help!

Sometimes quick lists will do, but I must admit I prefer pretty and colorful lists.  I believe the prettier it is to look at the more frequently I will look at it, thus increasing my productivity ten fold.  Okay, I might be exaggerating, but really wouldn’t we all rather look at something pretty (are you sensing where the procrastination still comes into play)?  The worst is when I have a beautiful, color-coded list that needs added to and I cannot find the writing utensil that I used.  What does a girl do?  Then there are those times when you forget to put something on ‘the list’ so you have to add it, just so you can feel that satisfaction of crossing it off.  The best is when you have “to-do” lists everywhere and have to try to consolidate them into a single working document to breathe success.  An exhausting chore indeed!

The accountability that a list possesses is insurmountable.  It silently reminds you of all the daunting tasks at hands.  It teases you, as you get closer to checking off that last item.  If you do not finish it, how can you tear it up?  Oh the power, oh the beauty, oh the necessity of THE LIST!