TPC "lite": To-Do List vs. Master List
“People get overwhelmed by a To-Do List because they have a lot of Master List items on there–things that require a whole series of actions and aren’t broken down into simple, doable steps. It’s a great way to set yourself up for failure.
So today, gather everything that’s weighing on you and figure out what list it belongs on. If the whole thing takes less than 15 minutes, you can put it on your To-Do List. If it’s more complicated than that, put it on your Master List and figure out what your next steps are.”
(Kathi Lipp, The Get Yourself Organized Project, page 184)
(Kathi Lipp, The Get Yourself Organized Project, page 184)
I finished my MA research project yesterday.
By “finished” I mean that I finally have a pretty awful first draft of Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and–after nine hours of straight writing yesterday–Chapter 4.
I’m not so much excited as I am relieved.
This degree was supposed to be done five years ago. But then we moved and I put it on the back burner. Repeatedly.
Two years ago, I did my research. And the data has been sitting ever since.
Oh, I’ve been busy–no doubt about that!
But no busier than those who actually finish their degrees…or anything else they start with great enthusiasm before encountering unexpected obstacles.
(Note: Just like my bookshelves are “not about the books,” this is “not about the degree”!)
I’ve had time. Small pockets of time. Weekends with time. Vacation stretches of time. But until 2012, I’ve made very little progress.
The #1 reason for my lack of progress will be the topic of my blog posts in July and August. It’s a big bad bully who’s been running my life for decades without me recognizing it. If you want a sneak peek, check out this monologue I wrote performed in May (…keeping in mind that it’s a “work in progress”!)
Replacing Baditude
The #2 reason for my lack of progress is that I kept putting “Work on MA Project” on my To-Do List.
But when I had a pocket of time, I had no idea what to do next. I’d look at my shelves of books and binders and freeze, utterly overwhelmed.
When I finally moved “Work on MA Project” to my Master List, momentum started building.
Some days, the only thing on my “To-Do List” was “figure out next step.”
Seriously!
I’d hunker down for 20 or 30 minutes, whatever chunk of time I had, and do “nothing”…except the absolutely most important thing I could possibly do:
I figured out my next little step.
This is working so well that I’m starting to question the Nike slogan.
“Just do it!” sounds great, in theory. But sometimes, it’s a poor fit.
This month, I’ve intentionally tried not to “just do it” when approaching the clutter in my home and my heart.
I’ve simply tried to figure out my next little step.
And then take it.
With God’s Word
On Day 22, I wrote about the difference between “fake fruit” and real growth.
(Can’t view image? Click here to read Galatians 5:22-23!)
I’m done forcing myself to “just do it” on my own strength, hanging out lots of “fake fruit” and hoping nobody comes close enough to notice. My home is far from completely de-cluttered. But it’s better, and I’m tasting more and more peace and joy with every next little step I take.
On Day 23, I wrote about the “fig leaves” I hide behind in an attempt to “clean up my act” on my own.
(Can’t view image? Click here to read 1 John 1:9!)
When I start the day with my Master, He will reveal to me the next little steps for my To-Do List. And He will cleanse me and my heart so that I no longer want to keep all my “fig leaves.”
I need to let go of my “all-or-nothing” approach.
I need to Let God lead me in taking the next little step. And the next.
I need to let go of everything I hide behind.
I need to Let God do the clean-up work in my life.
And Gratitude
from my journal:
Today I’m praying…
- … for continued patience with myself – “slowly” and “gently” are so unfamiliar!
- … that I can finish the MA “chapter” of my life quickly…yet gently.
Today I’m watching for…
- … an opportunity to affirm Daniel, Jonathon, and Annemarie who have been my cheering section these last few months.
- … someone unexpected You desire me to serve.
Today I’m appreciating…
- … the “little changes” produced by taking “the next little step.”
- … a chance to have lunch with Daniel at Panda Express in about an hour! 🙂
Your Turn!
- Do you have a “To-Do List” and a “Master List” or a similar system?
- How has knowing (or not knowing) your next little step helped (or hindered) you?
- Other thoughts / reflections / insights on today’s topic?
I have a morning and evening routine and a long to do list.
That’s where I feel like I fail all of the time. I’m a do it all or nothing person. I know that’s not good and I’m working on it but I love Kathi’s book. I love the 15 minute approach and I look forward to all that God has in store for me through it. Blessings on your day!
I love Kathi’s books thanks for the post