List of Lists | Daily Edition

Way back in 2013 I wrote a post called My List of Lists and even now it's one of the most popular posts on Julz Obsessions. Guess it just shows how many list lovers like myself are searching the web for list-spiration (?) 

Back then, I realised lists weren't just scraps of paper for to dos but could:

• be an alternative to journalling
• help me set goals
• let me reflect
• keep me motivated
• help prioritise what's important
• make me feel in control
• organise my life when I have a lot on
• mark myself at a certain point in time
• reduce stress

Rather than moving away from lists as I finished school and uni, I've become even more obsessed than ever. 

In my experience, the only way to be efficient and effective is to write stuff down. If I don't write it down, it's probably going to float straight out my head.

Lists to make everyday

• Hopes for the day - if you're into manifestation start each bullet with 'I am' or 'I have' as if you've already done it
• Affirmations - a few positive thoughts to set you up
• Key work tasks - to keep you on track job-wise
• Key non-work tasks - we work to live not the other way around, so a list of 'my stuff' that puts your personal goals at the centre is crucial too
• Wellbeing - could feature water intake, sleep quality, meditation, exercise or anything else that makes you feel good
• Shopping - as soon as you realise you need something add it to the list, you'll thank yourself later
• Gratitude - I find reflecting on the day just before I go to sleep the best time to do this
• Memorable moment(s) - I heard on a podcast that writing down a memorable moment from each day increases feelings of meaning and narrative in your life

I'm still a pen and paper girl at heart so I keep the majority of my lists in my daily planner - you can see the planner I'm using at the mo in my post about the Old English Company.

I've gone digital for my work task list - I know, I was shook too. But Trello boards are a game changer for organising workload. Check it out if you haven't already - especially if your work is mostly online.

List hacks

The key with to do lists is to make them realistic enough that you can succeed, but ambitious enough that you'll feel very proud with everything ticked off.

Also important - don't overwhelm yourself. Each of these lists could consist of 3 items, 1, or 10. The length of the list could vary day to day. 

Lists are there to help, not to hinder.

Make life easy for yourself. Use your list as it's own cue.

There's no point hiding all your daily lists in notebooks beneath books in a cupboard you never open.

I want to write a gratitude list every night. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude improves your overall wellbeing. But I know myself well enough to know I'd probably forget 9 times out of 10 without a cue. So, I keep my gratitude notebook next to my bed with a pen, and have a reminder set at 10pm every night. 

The key to sticking to habits? Make them easier to do than not to do. 

Out of sight = out of mind. In sight = in mind.

Keep your shopping list on the fridge. 

Put your to do list in a prominent place you'll see throughout the day. 

Stick your affirmations to the mirror. 

Keep your work task list open on your browser all day. 

Simples.

Like this kind of post? Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see a weekly list of lists, or even an updated list notebook post.

OMG I literally almost typed Kind Regards, to finish this post. Guess who's been living in her emails all week lol!