Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or working mom, a dad, a freelancer, or a corporate executive, to-do lists can help keep your life organized.
How each person keeps track of their “to-do’s” varies. Some people keep their to-do lists in their head (not a tip I’d recommend, since I regularly forget everything!). Others, like me, meticulously write it all down, crossing off each item as it’s completed. Some people use chalkboards. Others use notebooks. Some just put post-it notes everywhere.
And now that we live in a high-tech world, many people keep their to-do lists digitally on their smartphones or tablets. There are several great apps for that, such as Wunderlist, Todoist, Pocket Lists, etc. Linked to your calendar, these apps can be very helpful. You can even set alerts to remind you of important tasks.
Personally, I still like the old-fashioned, hand-written to-do list. Someday I’ll get it all linked to my iPad, but for now, pen and paper work best for me. Since I work from home, I keep my list on my desk all day. And I feel a giant sense of relief when I get to cross an item off.
Here is one of my to-do lists. You get the picture. Monotonous duties, chores, tasks. All pretty BORING.
Now, here is a kid’s TO DO list… (my daughter wrote this when she was 5).
Do you see the difference? It’s all Fun, Fun, and more Fun. With a capital “F”!
So it’s official, kids win this challenge, hands-down!
I do understand the reason we adults have boring, monotonous duties on our to-do lists. It’s because we are grown-ups. With responsibilities. We need to do “important stuff” everyday. Like pay bills, grocery shop, make dentist appointments… I could go on and on. But shouldn’t we have some fun too? And shouldn’t we make the fun things a priority?
I say YES.
This kids vs. adults to-do list comparison has inspired me to try and add something “Fun” on my list each day. And then more importantly, make time for it and do it.
For instance, “stop and smell the flowers”, “eat some snow”, or “go outside and twirl around under the sunshine” (that one many need to wait until spring!)… but you get the idea. Do something fun everyday, and feel like a kid again. Even if it’s just for a moment every day. I hope it inspires you too.