Making a List and Checking it Twice …
‘Tis the season! The season of joy. The season of light. The season of giving. But for many people, it is also the season of overwhelm.
This is the time of year that we all have many pulls on our time and our attention. As the year winds down I have many business commitments that will drive me to accomplishing my goals for the year. But I also have many family events to plan for and attend. (Have I mentioned that my son is getting married on December 30?)
So how do you keep track of all the things you need to do, all the gifts you need to buy and still fit in the things that make this a season of joy? For me, I take a page out of Santa’s play-book—I make lists!
This is something that comes naturally to me in my business. I juggle many different timelines and priority lists between my clients. But when it comes to my personal life, I tend to “work on the fly” and take care of the most pressing needs while sometimes missing out on the things that will really enrich my life. So I’m going to be more purposeful—more intentional—in my approach to December this year.
I’m dedicating time on my calendar on Thursday, December 1st, to make my lists. Here are some of the lists I’ll be making and checking twice this season:
- Calendar — In addition to parties and other appointments I will be scheduling in time for the things that make the holidays special for me including making time to trim the tree with my husband, a visit to the Austin Zilker Christmas Tree with my grandkids, and an evening driving around to see the most spectacular light displays in town.
- Sizes List — I keep an ongoing list of clothing and shoe sizes of all my family members. It requires regular updating for my growing grandkids but it helps reduce returns. I can also send it to other family members who may need it.
- Gifts Ideas & Plan— This list will help keep me focused on my intention to make the holidays more family centered and less about things. I will be emphasizing quality over quantity in my gift-giving this year.
- Purchased/Wrapped List — I started keeping this list a few years ago after I forgot to give some of the gifts I purchased. This list can also come in handy if a gift needs to be returned—I add a column for the store the gift was purchased and keep ALL my receipts in a single envelope.
- Personal TO DO List — Keeping an ongoing list will help me to be more efficient and more prepared to hand off tasks when my husband offers to help. I designate errands on this list with a star so I can group those together to save time and gas.
- NOT TO DO List — This is at least as important as the “To Do” list. Sometimes I need to remind myself of the things I will be saying “no” to this year.
- My own Wish List — I seem to always find things I’d love to have when I am shopping. Adding them to this list makes Santa’s job much easier.
There are lots of tools to keep these lists ranging from smart-phone apps to good old fashioned pen and paper. Whatever tools you use, I hope you will join me in making lists to find more joy and steer clear of overwhelm.
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