Why I Love Keeping Lists

In my purse, I carry a small notebook with me at all times for jotting down notes. On my desk, I collect scraps of paper where I can write short notes. I also have my to-do list notebook that I keep with me throughout the day, including when I’m reading my Bible. On top of that, I also have a notebook dedicated to recording my thoughts and impressions about what I’m reading in the Bible, praying about or reading in another book. Oh yeah, and then there’s my binder for hospitality ideas and another one for all my writing ideas.

Phew.

(Fellow list-makers, that’s not overkill, is it?)

The paradox of this is that keeping all those lists and having a place for those ideas actually makes my life easier. To another, it might seem that all those lists are screaming at me for my time and pulling me this way and that. But really, I find that it’s quite the opposite.

I have ideas floating around and too often, if I don’t have them written down, I forget them. Sometimes that’s not a bad thing, because they don’t all need to be done. But the problem arises when I think of them and then feel the need to take care of them, like, now.

That’s where the lists swoop in and come into play. Because they allow me to write those needs, ideas, lists down … and then walk away. I don’t have to worry that I’m going to forget them, because I know that I’ll glance at my list and remember, "Oh yeah, I wanted to mop the floor today," or, "Oh yeah. I wanted to look up my bank statement." Rather than feeling like I have to take care of everything now, whenever the whim surfaces for some action, I can write them down and then use my list as a guide to tackle them efficiently in an order that makes sense.

The other beautiful thing about these lists, is that through them, I can see everything that needs to be done and then take care of them on my own terms—allowing me the freedom to do so in a way that corresponds with my priorities.

A few years ago I read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s a really insightful book for simplifying decisions and actions. One of the things the author mentioned is that all too often, our actions are dictated by things that are urgent but not important. Meaning, that we get the laundry done, but never make time to read our Bible.

And to me, that’s the most important benefit my lists provide: They help me remember what can wait and then take the time to tend to those needs that are urgent and oh-so important.


What about you; are you a list maker? Do you find that they’re helpful in keeping you on track and tending to priorities? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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