HI: No, I don't do lists for the pleasure of ticking things off - though that can be a great confidence booster for those who need the visual aid to see that they are getting things done, a positive move forward. And at times it does feel good to see only a few things left on the list. Makes me feel like I am getting ahead.
I write lists when I have too many things on the go. The lists keep my head straight about what I want to do and how and what I may need to accomplish tasks. I might even write a date when a certain task needs to be finished. Prioritizing is good for me because then I feel I have some control, not just chaos going round and round my head. It also allows me to see how much time I have left to finish a project, so I can take breaks or even relax a day or two.
As Ashley mentions, there are some tasks which need to be done pronto, and some which can wait awhile.
You are right we are all different and by now it must be obvious that I'm an anomaly. Lots of things I do deviate from the normal. But then what is normal. Normal is what works for you. Sunny likes lists and I never ever make them other than in my head. To me lists smack of being told what to do. I've paid my dues in the work force mostly avoiding jobs where someone told me what to do. I've been lucky too in that most jobs I was left to just do it. So I'm good at just doing it. Not everyone can do that. Some people need the feeling of accomplishment by ticking off a list. That is probably the best reason for making lists. But you still have to get past the list. I worked for a guy who made lists and planned but never did them. His wife on the other hand made the calls hired us and said there is the job, go do it. I do prioritize in my head though, just not on paper. A lot of them are subconscious like I have to cut firewood before it snows. Although I'm systematic, I'm also a waffler. I sneak in things I want to do among the things I need to do often to my detriment. As long as I get the wood done before it snow that is okay I think.
One thing I do not do is cry over lost projects. If they don't get done it was because I aimed too high. Or something more important came along. Like some one else in my projects. Now they are our projects. I can see where lists here could be a real problem for me. Even division of labour doesn't always work here.
So by all means, if lists work then do it. But if they don't then don't feel bad, you too might be an anomaly. You can always just do it.
I think of eggs when I think of coddled :-) Me standing in a frying pan of boiling water would not be pretty.
I would say that if it bothers you then you are not taking it easy. Whether you have a legitimate reason or not. I don't make lists as lists. I know some things need to be done and will get done.
Why add the stress of feeling bad if they don't. Life is for living. Eventually the things I'm avoiding will bother me enough to get done.
Lists are too much pressure, I know what has to be done. The when is still my choice. Yesterday I got side tracked from the plan. The plan is still there, today I might get side tracked again. Who cares, something will get done. Or nothing if I decide to take it easy. But then I'm not a take it easy sort of guy. Still working on that.
I wonder if anybody has found what ingredient is needed for successful progress in daily living, when it comes to planning. I'm just not "productive" last two weeks. I have had stomach issues.
Aside from the physical issues, when you plan something, how much "pressure" do you place on yourself, so you get it done? My "to do" list is virtually untouched over a couple of weeks.
How do I know when I'm coddling myself, versus just taking it easy?
