It's Never Too Early For a List

I don't really want to say it and maybe you don't want to hear it, but spring is here. I saw pansies and daffodils beaming low from the ground and knew it was time to stop, evaluate, and plan for the upcoming needs of the next season. You see, if we don't take a moment right away and look at the next several months, things are going to get quickly out of hand.

So get out a current calendar and get a feel from the shape, size, and pattern of the next few months. Three possible major events are in the wind: Holidays, Vacations, and summertime plans.

Then take three pieces of lined paper and title them HOLIDAYS, VACATION, and SUMMER. Fold each of the papers in half one way and then in half the other way. You will have four sections.

Title the first section of the upper half of the paper: QUESTIONS.

Title the other: ANSWERS.

Title one section of the lower half of the paper: TO DO.

Title the other lower half section: TO BUY.

Without much thought, "questions & answers" and "things to do & buy" will fill your mind.

For example, how will you be celebrating Memorial Day this year? Will you be traveling? Will you need to find treats for some treasured family members? Do you need to invite someone to spend that weekend with you? What will you do on the Saturday before? How will you spend Sunday?

As questions come into your mind, write them down, making a list with generous space between each question down the left side of the HOLIDAY page. Then try to answer each of the questions (as best as you can at this early date) down the right side of the page. Then at the bottom of the page, make up a preliminary TO DO and TO BUY list.

Just as you have prepared a HOLIDAY sheet, do the same for other upcoming events that might be in your schedule such as a friend's bridal shower, a military service homecoming, or an extended family reunion.

For instance, what preparations are needed for your summer activities? Do you need to buy new duffel bags for summer camping? (Maybe you can add that to your errands list this week.) How about some sandals and sun screen? Do you want to get new library cards for all your children so going to the library will become easier? Do you want to teach them drawing skills during the hot afternoon hours, and if so, where can you buy a cartooning book?

And what about your vacation plans? Where will you be going and what accommodations need making? (Maybe it is time to discuss this with your spouse and/or your children.) And on and on the items go.

With your "lists" in hand, you can note down questions, answers, and items needing attention at your convenience. If you have a planner, put these lists in them. If you work better from your refrigerator, put these papers on the front of it for the next few days to evaluate your desires and make plans. You will be surprised how quickly and easily you begin to use extra, spare moments to make notations. With these simple lists, you can begin to consolidate plans and focus your attentions for a successful spring and summertime season.

The pattern is always the same. Start early to plan, make initial lists to get your mind rolling, and then put items of action into your regular routine. This upcoming season can be different, less stressful, and more fulfilling. Just start now and begin the magic of being early, relaxed, and on top of things.

Remember, your mind is for thinking and paper is for remembering!

Having a “Stop, Evaluate, and Plan" evaluation about every three months really helps to keep your mind clear and your schedule more manageable. Making up list forms creates a place to dump your ideas and your plans. You will want to plan another evaluation at the beginning of summer, at the beginning of the next school year, and at the beginning of the holiday season. Then this whole year can be different for you!

©2010 Marie Calder Ricks/www.houseoforder.com