To Do Lists

" He who fails to plan, plans to fail."- Proverb

My To Do List might be different, but it will get me the same results ---  More to to life!

"To Do Lists" Every day we write down what we *need* to get done, then at night we look at what we got done and didn't get done. Some of us rate our self-esteem on how many checkmarks or strikethrough lines there are while thinking "I could have done better; I'm a slacker; Why can't I manage time better."  Others look and think "Wow, look at everything I've done; What I didn't get to today, I'll do tomorrow." Then others write the list then never look at it again thinking "I wrote it down, I'll remember what I have to do." And some, don't writing anything down, they rely on their master list to draw from or will make it up as the day unfolds.

I have done each of those scenarios. Not surprisingly, depending on the circumstances and my mind set, they have had different outcomes. When I have to *punch a clock* my to do lists are followed, checked off, analyzed at the end of the day then the appropriated modifications are made to the following day's list. There I am productive, know what I need to keep updated to my boss, things move smoothly. At home I'll write one, I'll even look at it a couple of times and strikethrough an item or two. But more typically, I'll end up focusing on something not on any list that "has to get done" and be mad at myself at the end of the day.

Today makes the beginning of the third week I've been unemployed and I'm realizing my typical way of doing things isn't working. I have no job leads, the house isn't any farther completed, nor is the yard any prettier. But the cabinet is 1/2 painted, lots of tv has be caught up on, and many shops have been explored... This ain't working. This is not the life I want to live. This is not my dream and has no form of integrity in it!

So... I'm trying on something different for the week. I'm playing a game with myself. I'm going to try to stick to my plan. I'm going to see how well I can stick to my guns and I'm going to see what happens. I'm not going to give myself an out. I'm going to hold myself accountable for what needs to be done. I'm not going to flutter around anymore and see where I land. I AM going to make a list, check things off. I AM going to play this game of LIFE!

I'm excited to see what is created and what is reveled at the end of the week. I'm excited to see what it look like when the game level is complete and I get to go on to the next one. So... How are you with your to do list? Do you have the life you want? What game are you going to play with yourself to get your life?