The Heaven-sent To DO List (on a post-it)

Many of my friends say that the to-do list is not needed, and that they can manage all of their grocery lists, house-chores, and work items in their head.

They're liars.

The most important thing I've learned so far this past year is the importance of the to-do list. Those so-called "mind-listers" usually manage to forget a couple of things, and they end up having to run out and do something last minute because "they forgot". However, with your to-do list, you can make clean work of anything that you have scheduled for the day.

I like the post-it note route. My work desk is currently covered in about 20 of them. You may think that's clutter (very colorful clutter I might add) but it's really rather helpful. I don't have to go sorting through a book, I don't have to wait on my blackberry to load, and I don't have to depend on my computer. I can just lift the note right off my desk and stick it to my planner and it goes with me where I need it to!

I have lists for everything - my work list, my different organizations that I volunteer for each have a list, and of course the staple - the grocery list! You may think I'm tasky and a little overzealous, but when you're managing this many things - sometimes it helps to get it out of your head and on to a piece of sticky paper.

Which brings me to my quick twist: If you're having trouble sleeping at night because work is extra-stressful or you have a lot on that "to-do list", get an old notebook and lay it by your bed. I'm not a journal-er by any means, and lately I haven't touched my notebook, but when I have something that I am so worried that I'll forget, I just write it down on the notebook before I go to sleep. It's a little reassurance for me, and then I can get my needed rest!

Happy Homemaking!