This year I decided to forgo Resolutions. The big picture, you-are-always-doomed-to fail-connotation of them never sat well with me. Instead, I have adopted a daily list of sorts -- tiny, manageable goals for me to accomplish each day. Each morning, before the kids and hubby get out of bed, I make a list of the things I need to do today. Those in red are essential; those in black are 'if I have time' items. My kids know where the list is, and they are allowed to add to it. In fact, they are forced to. My new rule -- if it's is not on the list than don't complain to me if it doesn't get done.
The system is working . . . somewhat. There are days when only half that list gets done; there are days when the entire thing is completed by noon. But nonetheless it gives me focus, a set plan to attack each day and for that alone I deem it a success.
Today's list:
~shovel the driveway
~read 100 pages for my amazing new CP
~Start Chili in crock-pot by 11am
~Write 2500 words of new WIP and tweak pitch for agent review.
~beds, laundry, and usual crap (and yes I did write usual crap)
Two of those items are already done and it appears as those my kids have graciously forgotten to add anything to my list (bonus for me!) So I am off to tackle the world, or at least the tiny corner I fester in. Have a great and productive day!
Ohh . . . and my kids don't ever, EVER get to write their list items in red because let's face it, there is a huge difference between take me to the mall to buy a new iTunes card and wash the blood from my broken nose out of my basketball uniform.
I need to make a list, but sometimes even that seems daunting.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love your new background!
You should see my first list. It was funny and read like something you would give a 1st grader. Make diner, clean shower, empty trash... eventually I moved up to "beds, laundry and other crap."
DeleteWhat a great idea! I have a list for each kid. And a running list for me on the fridge. If I think of something I need to make sure to do, I add it to the list and cross it off whenever it gets done. But the daily list is a good plan. :)
ReplyDeleteTook a while for my kids to grasp the idea that the list was for things Mom would do anyway, not a wishlist for me to be their maid!
DeleteThis is such a great idea! I'll have to remember this. Good luck getting done your list today!
ReplyDeleteThree things already crossed off. Moving on to the more fun parts- Reading a ms for a CP!
DeleteI'm usually a list maker, but this new baby is throwing me for a loop~ I'm finding that I can't really plan on getting my list accomplished lately because the wee one and I are still figuring each other out. Maybe by this summer I'll be back to checking things off my daily lists :)
ReplyDeleteBabies can do that, but they are so cute and tiny and precious that it is all good anyway!
DeleteLove the idea! I always forget what I need to do until I'm lying in bed forgetting that I have a history project or something due the next morning. I may have to steal this idea. ;)
ReplyDeleteSteal away!
DeleteWow, sounds like you had a very productive day! I love that idea.
ReplyDeleteI did... actually filed our taxes as well!
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