Write. Write. Write. Or rather, type. Type. Type. Recording your thoughts or “To Do’s” helps you process and remember information.
If you’re feeling like life’s a bit out-of-control right now, one of the best things you can do is create a set of lists you can take action on.
So c’mon, let’s get motivated with iStratus, and make lists!
Brain Dump – Free Up Your Mind A Little
We recommend getting all of your thoughts down in the notes section. Make a clear list of:
- What you need to do,
- What you want to remember and
- What plans or projects do you have to work on…
Write (or type) until you can’t think of anything else – and be patient with yourself! Bear in mind, this process could take a while! Add or edit as you wish to.
Once the brain dumping is done, your mind should feel lighter (if it isn’t, at least a little, then something else needs doing. Take 10, 15, 20 minutes, or 3 days it doesn’t matter).
The point is, once you feel a little relief (yes, every bit counts), you will find that it is easier to categorize related items, prioritize, and productively disregard unessential responsibilities.
This will free up your mind to think about other things besides the stuff you want your brain to recall.
Existing Projects List
Even though having an existing projects list seems repetitive or unnecessary, it’s an effective idea to consistently have one.
Why? How so?
Ultimately it provides a realistic picture of everything that’s on your plate right now. Too many projects occurring at once can be overwhelming, and it’s unlikely to increase motivation to get anything done.
3 or 4 important projects are enough, relocate the others to a “Next” list.
The Next List
This is the one that can help you take action and be productive regardless of where you are…
Such as, making a call or sending a quick follow-up text, before a meeting begins.
If you’re driving and need something to listen to, maybe pull up that podcast you’ve had on your mind or “must listen to” list for ages!
Daily To-Do List
This list really shouldn’t be multiple pages if you’re aiming for effectiveness.
Three to five items you want to accomplish are sufficient. That’s all!
It’s those important things required for achieving your goals. It’s important to focus on completing them the best you can.
Process Checklists: Easy as 1, 2, 3
If something requires certain steps for completion, and you tend to forget them a process checklist can help.
A process checklist could include:
- How to update your SUV navigation system
- How to turn on/off the alarm system
- How to run payroll.
Grocery And Quick Meal Lists Will Save Your Sanity
Avoid driving yourself insane because you can’t recall that it was a can of coconut milk you needed from the supermarket.
Keep a grocery list active in iStratus and share it, so that members in your household can contribute to it.
If you use an online grocery pickup service, you can add items to your cart as you note them.
That way, everything will already be in your cart, ready to order as needed.
Create a list of quick meals, the kind you can make in a dash. This list will save your sanity on those busy nights when you are running the kids here, there, and yonder. Meals that are easy to make are key. See here for some fast, easy 30 Minute meal ideas.
And yes, sometimes a pizza delivery is OK too!
Things to Research
Lately, “doomsday scrolling” has become a real problem for so many of us on social media platforms.
In reality, with so much chaos in our world right now, it’s only natural that we want to keep up with the latest information, which easily turns into hours of endless scrolling and building anxiety.
A “Things to Research List” dedicated to a specific amount of time online researching whatever information is needed, will help you stress less, reduce anxiety, and it won’t eat up too much time in your day.
Books to Read, Music to Hear, or Movies To Watch List
This is the fun one. Self-care is important.
Use iStratus to list the exciting stuff you want to engage your ears and eyeballs in. Next time you hear a tune you want to spend more time listening to, or there’s a good book you’d like to read someday, or if there’s a movie you’d love to watch – Note it.
Lists can be life-changing and interchangeable with life. With the flexibility of our checklist system, you may breathe a little easier.
And remember to laugh:
“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it.”
~ Mary Wilson Little
Live life and roll well with iStratus.