List: a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other.
You name it, I’ve probably written it! Pros and cons of different formal dates, shopping lists, to-do lists, mufti day outfit option lists, annual goal lists, summer job option lists, bucket lists, things to do before I turn 30 lists, movies I need to watch lists, the list goes on…
So today, I’ve decided to write a list of reasons why I think you should start to write lists!
- I’m a visual learner, so when I can see everything I need to do in a day and I can cross each one off when it’s completed it makes me feel happy with my progress.
- Organisation. Organisation. Organisation. You know what you need to do, and you get it done, simple as that. No need for stressing about forgetting anything when you have a list written down that remembers it all for you.
- Lists stop you from procrastinating. When you see what is on your to-do list you can’t avoid it by ‘forgetting’ or ignoring it. Lists help us understand the bigger picture, and when we are able to see a big task broken down into smaller parts it doesn’t seem so daunting. However, sometimes I’ve used the action of writing lists as a procrastination tool to avoid facing the bigger issues, so be careful with how you use lists.
- Most lists are predetermined and have an end. There is a beauty in starting and finishing a list, crossing each and every item off. Emotions that accompany the completion of a list include feelings of satisfaction, excitement, relief, pride, and reassurance.
Of course, lists aren’t for everybody, but for me they seem to work. They key is to use lists in moderation. Too many lists, and you’ll find yourself feeling hopeless and annoyed for never finishing anything you start; too little lists, and you may find yourself dealing with unnecessary stress and complications.
Start out small, maybe a shopping list, or a to-do list, then work your way up to goal lists and lists that require sentences rather than just single words, you will be amazed at how easy it is!
You may call me crazy, but I call it passionate.