Why a List Works

My 2010 Planner

Article by Wendy McCance

All of the kids have left for school, it’s a beautiful, sunny day, and I’m thinking about what I need to get done today.  As usual, I go in search of some paper and a pen to make a list.  I’m not sure when this list making began, but I know that even as a kid I had a pile of lists floating around my bedroom.

I used to make lists about my favorite things, what I wanted to accomplish, who my friends were, books I wanted to read and clothes I wanted to see in my closet.  I was and still am addicted to writing a list.

I believe that a list is a wonderful tool to help you organize and figure out what is important to you.  A list gives me a better sense of who I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going..  As long as I have a list, activities get done (even the ones I drag my feet on) and I feel like I have accomplished a lot when I start seeing the check marks as items get completed (truly the best part of having a list).

For me, every time I am able to check off a chore or something I wanted to buy or whatever it is that that particular list is about, my ego inflates and I feel inspired to continue down the list in front of me.  I love how I have a better perspective of how hard I am working to take care of my goals, responsibilities and dreams when I look at one of my lists.

Well, I can check off writing my daily post, and now I am on to reading up on writing a query letter (which I have been dragging my feet on).  If anyone has written one, any advice or experiences would be wonderful to hear.  Thanks for stopping by.

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Wendy McCance

Wendy McCance is a Michigan based freelance writer and social media consultant. Wendy has gained attention as the founder of the popular blog Searching for the Happiness which can be viewed in 9 local papers online, including the Oakland Press. The combination of writing skills and social media knowledge is what makes Wendy such a powerhouse to work with. Stay tuned for opportunities to advertise, guest post and as always, have your questions answered.

To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]

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10 thoughts on “Why a List Works

  1. I too have always been a list maker - “the to do today list - the to do tomorrow list - the birthday/Christmas list - the bucket list and on and on, but the list that gives me the most joy is my daily prayer list - I keep it in a separate journal and when I move the items from one month to the next, it is so empowering to see what God has accomplished in just one month!

  2. Hi Wendy -I was drawn to your article and really enjoyed it because it resonated with me so much!
    When I come across old lists in a notebook they’re as powerful as a photograph. I don’t need a day or date -cinnamon, cranberry sauce and extra cream transports me to Christmas and ring binders, colouring pencils and lunch boxes mean only one thing - September and back to school.! Lists mean I’m in control and stuff gets done!!

  3. Lists are filters of aspirations in work.
    Lists can make your day or ruin it.
    Lists give you a chain to reality and tempo of life.
    Lists require delibration and document it.

  4. Lists are incredibly important! Ever wonder why pilots that fly 747’s packed with hundreds of people have a pre-flight checklist? They wanna make sure that every last task is done and checked off! Lives depend on it! If it’s on the list it get’s done, full stop.

  5. Love this!!!

    I have always believed that creating lists and accomplishing the tasks on them were exercises in goal setting. With each achievement you become more confident in your ability to perform and you widen your list of things to do and things you choose to get done.

    Great blog and now I can check reading it off of my to do list 🙂

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