I wanted to focus my Project Me post today on getting organized, but when I took a closer look I realized that I’ve been doing a poor job of it. When the task of making a to-do list become just as daunting as the tasks that are supposed to go on the list, you know you have to start making some serious changes. For me, it all starts with determining my priorities. My top priorities are my health and my family, but when I look at where the bulk of my time and energies are spent, these priorities are getting short-changed for everything else – predominantly blogging and photography related things. Even though I do enjoy the time I spend on the laptop doing things for the blog and the business, I feel that it shouldn’t take precedence over eating, sleeping and exercising right or spending time with my loved ones. The truth is I can’t do it all, even if I try. So the best thing I can do for myself is reevaluate what’s most important and try to focus my energies on those things first. Once I do that, I might actually be able to tackle a to-do list without the panic attack it takes to write one at the moment. So tell me…
Does your to-do list accurately reflect your priority list at the moment?
{ 30 comments }
i am soo horrible at prioritizing my to dos! i often spend way too much time on hobbies instead of real work… like blogging, haha!!! and then i neglect house chores too sometimes, it’s no good!! i often have a reality check and step back and reevalute and my husband usually keeps me in check too!!
I hear ya! Just joined the gym again. I’m trying to clean house, and not make my on line life such a priority. It’s tough with 2 shops & a blog. But I really should be making & selling :)
Alexandra keller recently posted..what i want – responsible pedestrians
I love making to-do lists… but fulfilling all the tasks can be daunting! I totally agree that prioritizing is a must!
leia recently posted..Couture Cinco- Whats in my Bag
I’m in the process of adjusting my priorities. Ever since I met my husband (13 years ago), one or both of us has always been in school. We’ve also spent our marriage with long distance commutes and jobs that require travel. Boo!. In summer 2011 we’ll be “free” for the first time. We’re starting to re-evaluate our priorities and look at what we’ve achieved with a thankful attitude instead of always chasing the next big thing.
Keeley recently posted..Food Budgeting- Where Do You Shop
Hmmmm… I am ashamed to admit, I don’t even have a To Do list right now!
xoxox,
CC
That would be a big resounding no from me. My to-do list consists of things that need to be done immediately, and can’t wait. My priority list, on the other hand, tends to be made up of things that I want to do (spend time with my family, take a little me-time), but may not get to. :/
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That means you have a LOT going on. I love making lists, but I know what you mean. Sometimes just thinking about all the things you have to do can feel really overwhelming.
Stephanie Faris recently posted..Steaks Through the Mail
i think we ALL get into an overwhelming slump every now and then. you’re not alone! but it IS important to take a step back and re-evaluate your needs vs. wants every now and then. as of right now, my to-do list reflects my priorities, but trust me, it wasn’t always the case! g’luck in finding your perfect balance ;)
Unfortunately no, I have put school work and exercising on the back burner. Heck, I’ve put reading on the back burner too! I like to think I’m taking some time to relax and not worry about blogging, schoolwork, work, etc. My mind is already thanking me for the vacation :) BUT I probably should get back to life. Boo.
Anaiz recently posted..Review- Lover Eternal by JR Ward
I sparsely ever have a to do list, probably only when I go on holiday or when I’m moving apartments. But as a mental note, I try to put my family and health always first, even if I feel guilty neglecting other projects or my blog!
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First can I please say that I can safely assume you’re an incredible sister? You love your little brother and you thoughtfully gift your sister an Emersonmade clutch? You’re awesome Maddy!
Secondly, my priorities are constantly changing. I’m a type-B personality so I don’t really need things to be extremely structured, I just need to make sure I get my to-do list done for the most part. When I felt like I was really falling behind in my priorities (time in the Word, quality time with husband and loved ones, sleep, etc) I decided to take a blog fast for a week and had a couple of friends come in to guest blog post for me. It was AWESOME! I loved it and would highly encourage it if you’re considering it.
Even though I check items off of my to-do list daily, it seems to grow. And yes, I’m guilty of spending a bit too much time online. I think I need to reevaluate as well. :)
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I feel like a dog chasing its tail a bit too often lately … I have SO much to do, I don’t even know where to begin … so I sit here … and think about them … and panic. That’s one reason I decided to bring back out my sticky notes. But even then it’s work related. I still have to learn how to balance work and play. It’s a constant learning process I’m sure. I guess the key is learning to be content, even in the midst of chaos. :)
Yes and no,. My children are my priority and many of the things on my to-do list are stuff to do with them. My health should be my priority, but I’m not doing enough.
Buckeroomama recently posted..Dress-Up Paper Dolls
I stop making to do lists because it makes me sad that I never finish it! if only there are more hours in a day. but my priority is definitely: health, family, money and then just wing it here and there lol
pop champagne recently posted..Steven And Liv Tyler at Movie Premiere Super
Oh Maddy, don’t beat yourself up. It must be hard juggling blogging, photography projects and earning your daily bread… I try to look at things more long-term these days. It doesn’t help if I over-exhaust myself because these projects are long-term activities. And personally, I don’t do to-do lists anymore. I used to be super-organized (anal, really), but the older I get the more relaxed I am. I might become a super slob (sniggering from the rest of the family…).
Sabine recently posted..Enarmored
no. not at all reflecting my priority list :(
I have things that I get stuck in way to much than I should. Somethings I have to force away in order to enjoy the moments with my son and husband. It might be good things, but not worth as much as my family is to me!
Not at all! My to-do list never ends, since I’m always procrastinating. I really have to do something about that!
Camila F. recently posted..breakfast books-love
Such a great post Maddy.
Thank you for reminding me.
Life with Kaishon recently posted..beauty everywhere! from the city to the country
This is an excellent point. Stuff on my todo list gets done, so I should definitely start penciling in the things that matter to me most – friends, family, and health!
I have a priority list with a “to do” book. It is a lot easier to manage that way…as I cross things off on the prority list, then things can get moved over from the “to do” book. It works best for me, although some days All I seem to get accomplished is puttig out fires.
We all suffer from this affliction and the ones who are successful are probably boring. I like to live life.
Marlene recently posted..Let Them Eat Cake
i used to get it all wrong and prioritize the wrong things like work and education. even though these are important matters, i’ve found out that family, friends and a little leisure time is more important and now I have to constantly remind myself of the true priorities daily, in order to have a healthier life
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Oh man I hear ya! It’s surprisingly hard to make a to-do list of things you actually should/want to do! Its very easy to get caught up in the little less important things though. Sigh, such is life!
Lately I’ve been prioritizing myself by spending a lot of time just walking. For me its the most relaxing way to figure out what’s on my mind & just take in some fresh air. You can learn a lot about yourself by just spending time alone not doing much at all!
Hope you can write and act on a list of things that really do matter to you :)
Allison recently posted..Between Time
I have to have a to-do list. Things can slip too easily if I don’t. I love checking things off..but, lately things aren’t getting checked off..just new lists to get the old lists going..and they’ve been going nowhere. You’re right about prioritizing and I have to get myself back on track. On a positive note, at least I see the track…it’s not too far gone! :)
We often ignore our mortality and take life and family for granted, only to regret when we lose them… Carpe diem!
Serline recently posted..Juicy Joy
Right now work is taking over my life. Its sooooooooo stressful. There is a lot going on with testing and changing building and charter vs public. The administration is stressed and are putting a lot of pressure on us. I actually had a conversation where my boss tried to make me feel bad for prioritizing my personal life over work. Im trying to get things in order. I value my health and relationships (with friends and family) and is most important but right now work is really taking over my to do list.
Since spring is coming, or is around… well, my to-do list becomes about cleaning, organizing and getting myself ready for spring/summer. Silly things like whitening my teeth, being better to myself in terms of taking care of my health and well being and then of course cleaning out the closets and ridding of clothes I don’t ever wear… but overall, March hasn’t been such a great Project Me month.
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Gah, not at all :( I managed to get a few looming things out of the way over the past week or so, so I’m looking forward to reassessing soon.
Tiera recently posted..Children and Dinosaurs at Bishop Museum
i’m slowly but steady working on my to-do list.
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My to-do list is mostly job searching related, but the problem is much of those “to-do” items don’t get crossed off on most days. Even though I know I can’t do it all, I still keep pretending that I’m going to try, and the reality is that I’m mentally overwhelming myself, and it’s backfiring. I don’t even have a solution to this problem, because I honestly WANT to do everything and that competes with what I NEED to do, and I just feel like a crazy person most days. Le sigh…
As for you, I definitely encourage you to keep your health and family on the top of your priority list. The blog will always be there, and the business will grow, but none of that will matter if you neglect what matters most :)
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