Is making lists a good thing or a bad thing?
Hi there, I'm posting this here because I think it is related to burnout, and I'm hoping to get some feedback on what I'm experiencing. I work really hard all week and during the week, I get ideas for things I want to do in my free time. So, I make lists. Lists and lists and lists of things I want to do in my free time. I even have a list for 2020 already, with all kinds of big projects, like redoing my portfolio. But what I'm realizing is, I don't know what makes me think I'm going to have the time in January, any more than I have the time now. So I guess what I'm asking is this.... Are these lists good (because they help clear my mind), or are these lists bad (because they inevitably disappoint me, because there's no way I can possibly get everything done.) Does anyone else struggle with this?
Tarah Keech
Life Coach for Leaders
561
11/06/19 at 6:49PM UTC
Yes! Such great insight! I believe the only two deeply rooted causes of burnout are scarcity thinking and poor planning.
Planning can include *identifying what you want, *deciding to go get it, and *following through and honoring that decision consistently.
Coming from my own love of lists, this is tough. Mentally, we feel relief of pseudo-accomplishment when something's on paper - like we have already taken an action on it.
I love Jackie's ideas. I limit myself to making one to-do list per week - an actual sheet of paper + a quarterly-reassessed backlog + an annual "big goals" list that's also updated quarterly.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.72k
10/11/19 at 5:29PM UTC
Lists are great. I was BIG into lists up until I realized it created analysis paralysis. What i found worked for me to get real results was to write out my work list and free time list. Then I schedule both into my calendar. Once scheduled it committed me to take action then I was actually DOING my to do's. Having an organizer whether it's an app or old school one made a big difference. I love The happy planner, being the happyologist, ofcourse!
