Why I Ditched the “TO DO” List
Just over a year ago now, I left my last corporate job. Since I can remember, I’ve existed in a world of “TO DOs” with “TO DO” lists, upon “TO DO” lists. Not only am I extremely creative, but even more so, I am EXTREMELY organized. After starting my own business, I have come to learn that “TO DO” Lists aren’t for everyone.
Don’t get me wrong, there are DEFINITELY people who need them to be able to get anything done and to be held accountable. However, I have learned that there are people (myself included) who are naturally driven, organized with an ability to accomplish, and who are also creative WITHOUT a “TO DO” list. To these people, “TO DO” lists are detrimental to their health and well-being. WHY you ask? EVERYONE should have a “TO DO” list you say? I disagree for a few reasons.
First, if you are this person: type-A, over-the-top organized, never skip a beat, let’s be honest, you ALREADY know what you need to accomplish that day. Having a “TO DO” list is just another thing you have to “TO DO”. It doesn’t help you get anything done at all. ESPECIALLY if your list is longer than what you ACTUALLY need to accomplish for the day (which let’s be honest type-A’s, it always is). It just stresses you out, because you feel you aren’t getting anything done, when that isn’t the case at all…because ALL YOU DO is get things done.
Second, it feeds your attachment to perfectionism, and need for control. YIKES, right?!?! If you are a type-A person you are typically a perfectionist. LOL. Again, present company included. While being on top of things and a being perfectionist is great, it can also mean you have a deep need for approval from others, and that you believe by being perfect, you will get approval. Turns out, this is not the case at all. People will love you for being YOU, not because you’re perfect. So, my advice if this is you, just let that ish go.
Third, planning when you will accomplish something can stifle creative ideas. Have you ever noticed when an AWESOME idea comes to you at a random time? For me, it’s usually after my morning reiki meditation, or any form of meditation, or yoga. The old Maja would write it down, and get to it later, and “stay focused” on the “TO DO” list for the day, rather than running with the creative idea as it came. And let’s be honest, probably having a harder time being creative with forced planned creativity.
Just to note here, I have wanted to start a blog and/or book for a LONG time. I finally woke up this morning and had the idea for my first blog entry today. So, I OFFICIALLY ditched my “TO DO” list, and lookie here, I not only learned how to create a blog on my website, but I also wrote my first entry. BOOM! So if you sound like me, take my advice, ditch the “TO DO” list yesterday.
Stay strong, positive, happy and healthy!
From my heart to yours,
Maja Re
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great post – looking forward to all of the insights you will be sharing xo
aweeee thanks Marjorie! xo
This is so wise. This Virgo needed to see this. ❤️
Awe thank you Lina! And ditto! It is definitely something I have had to constantly remind myself of. This Libra needs it too. xo
An intriguing discussion
is definitely worth comment. I do think that you ought to publish more about this subject,
it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about
these subjects. To the next!
All the best!!
Many Thanks!
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nice holiday weekend!
thank you!