The reason I don’t start a new page every day is because I would be constantly carrying items forward which is not a practical use of my time. Any outstanding tasks are carried forward to this new date so now all the outstanding tasks are clustered together at the top. Starting a New PageĮvery week or two I’ll start a new page in my notebook with a new date at the top. So many times I have gone back in my notebook to double check a date or task and this makes it easy to do so. It also means I can still read the completed task. It provides visual interest to the page and makes it perfectly clear which items are still outstanding. Highlight Completed TasksĪs I complete my tasks I will make a notation of the date completed and highlight the line item so I know it is done. I don’t have to remember many things, I only need to remember to check my notebook. Or if after reviewing my detailed list I see that I have multiple phone calls to make, I can clear a space in my day to make them all at once. When I need to run downtown to do an errand I can quickly scan my list to see anywhere I noted that I needed to purchase or pick up something saving myself multiple trips. Having a running master list like this makes it very easy now to batch tasks as you need to saving you all sorts of time, energy and money. It’s why I we start forgetting appointments and locking my our keys in the van… ahem…I’m just saying. The more detailed I am, the less stress I feel. So for example if you want to make end of the year teacher gifts your list might include the various steps required to make that happen: buy craft supplies, have kids make cards, make craft, buy packaging, etc.
The trick to this brain dump is to list your tasks in detail and this comes in handy for batching tasks which I’ll talk about in a minute. Then I write down every single task that is taking up more space than it needs to in my head. I always start by writing the date at the top of the page. It’s also important to me that it lays flat when opened and as well folds so I only have to see one side at a time if I want to narrow my focus. I prefer this size because it’s big enough that I can get 23 tasks per page yet small enough to be left out right beside my computer or to fit into my purse if I want to take it places with me (and right now that’s not such a bad idea!). My lined spiral bound notebook of choice is 7 x 5 inches big and I get them from the dollar store. Here’s how it works for me and maybe it’ll help you out as well. My list notebook is my container for my sanity and not only would I be lost without it but I definitely wouldn’t be sleeping at night either. You know how I love to contain things ? I’m an old fashion pen and paper kind of girl so this is what I keep going back to time and time again. Not just multiple lists or post it notes stuck to every nook and cranny contributing to the chaos but a list notebook that keeps all my to-do’s in one place. However there is one thing that helps me manage life, not only on a regular basis, but especially each time I go through a phase like this and let’s face it, these phases hit all of us at some point or another.
I can feel my anxiety levels rising with each passing day. I’m a little overwhelmed these days with all that needs to be done before I move at the end of the month.