Sep. 1, 2006 - Do the Next Thing...Now...Not later!
I was checking up on the latest issue of World Magazine. I subscribed soon after my husband left for deployment. I wanted to get a Christian angle on the news...especially the Iraq news. Anyway, Andree Seu was inspiring. Read Invisible Monkeys and see if it helps you to, "Do the Next Thing."
Anyway, during the last couple weeks I have been trying to pull things together and get things done. First make a list, then go do it. I always start by doing the easy things first. While that seems wimpy on it's face, it is really very effective. Just like Dave Ramsey talks about the fight for getting out of debt is 80% mental. I think it is the same with conquering a "To Do" list. I feel energized by marking things off my list. Once the easy things are done, however, I find myself getting very distracted. I find other places to be, agree to too many outside obligations, and generally, ignore the hard things on my list.
Really, we need to take a few minutes to evaluate each difficult item on the list and decide what exactly the hold up is.
For example: There is a low lying level of frustration hanging around the fact that I am going away this weekend. Why is that?
Um, I have to pack.
Ok So, what's the problem there?
Um I don't have any clean clothes, or the ones I like to wear anyway!
Ok, do laundry.
Um, I'm out of laundry detergent, and besides the dryer dial is broken and I'm bumbed that Fran isn't here to take a look at it. The dryer still works, but I have to set the kitchen timer to help me remember to check my clothes. But it does work.
Ok, go buy laundry detergent. When you get back from your weekend, ask a deacon at church if they know anyone who works on dryers.
Um, I have some other things I need to do while I'm out so I don't want to go out for laundry detergent until I make a list.
Ok, make a list.
Um, but I need to post on my blogs cause it is Patriotic Friday and my husband is deployed so I can't miss a Friday....it wouldn't be Patriotic.
Ok, delegate the list writing. Have your daughter take dictation. She needs printing practice anyway, 'cause after all, school has started and you haven't even bought the curriculum for the year. You can compose and rattle off needed items at the same time, after all, you are a home maker. Blogs? There are still several hours left in this Friday...you can do it after you get your laundry detergent!
Um, OK! Anna has taken down a list, and I am headed out to get laundry detergent, a new gas can, gas for the mower so the guys and mow our lawn, and chocolate. After all, I must get my priorities in order!
