Well, hello there, my majestic queens, kings, and fabulous non-binary fairies! Today, buckle up because we’re diving into the whimsical world of household hustle, where the imaginary to-do lists are not just lists—they’re practically living, breathing creatures.
So, you wake up, ready to conquer the day, and boom! Your brain has already crafted a mental masterpiece of tasks. Brushing teeth, devouring breakfast, gearing up for work—no need for a written list; it’s all up there, hanging over your head like a mischievous pixie with a checklist.
Now, imagine you’re not only a homemaker but also a mom, a graphic designer, a writer and a wife. Suddenly, that imaginary to-do list takes on a life of its own. It’s not just humongous; it’s practically tap-dancing and doing the cha-cha in your mind. As you scrub the floor, you spot a forgotten drawer that demands decluttering. Before you know it, you’re mentally organizing organizers for that drawer. Oh, and the closet needs a little TLC too. And the saga continues, piling up tasks on our already overloaded mental plates.
It’s mentally exhausting, folks. The imaginary to-do list is relentless, always growing, always evolving. It’s like trying to catch a gremlin—just when you think you’ve got it under control, it multiplies into a dozen more tasks.
And let’s not even get started on the frustration that comes with real to-do lists. You meticulously plan, maybe even color-code, and then reality hits. You achieve only half of it, and suddenly you’re questioning your life choices, asking yourself, “Why can’t I do this? What’s wrong with me?”
Well, fear not, fellow warriors of domesticity! After a decade of trial and error, I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to spill the beans.
On paper, a to-do list appears straightforward—tasks neatly outlined, waiting to be conquered. Yet, in the intricate dance of daily life, our mental to-do list is a shape-shifting entity, influenced by the vibrant and unpredictable world around us.
Why does this happen, you ask? Well, the world is a lively place, and it certainly doesn’t revolve around any one individual. Change is the only constant. We’re all granted the same 24 hours in a day, and yet, some seem to effortlessly accomplish a multitude, leaving the rest of us scratching our heads. The revelation lies in recognizing that these 24 hours are in use, even if we can’t always pinpoint exactly how.
Our days, mostly, unfold on autopilot, and it’s easy to overlook the time-consuming nature of routine tasks. Take dinner, for instance. You schedule an hour for it, thinking that’s plenty. Yet, the process of cooking, setting the table, gathering everyone, eating, waiting for all to finish, and cleaning up extends beyond that hour. Perhaps you planned to tackle bathroom cleaning afterward, but life had other plans.
Your child needed help with homework, and a myriad of unexpected tasks popped up—a quick errand, a conversation about upcoming vacations, research on potential destinations. The laundry called for attention, and suddenly, it’s nearly dinner time. The dishes await after the meal, and there you stand, gazing at your half-done to-do list, feeling like you’ve fallen short once again.
This scenario is a universal tale, my friends. We’ve all been there, caught in the whirlwind of daily demands, feeling defeated. I used to wrap up my days on a sad note, convinced I wasn’t measuring up. If I couldn’t conquer a simple daily to-do list, how on earth was I going to conquer life?
Well, this was the turning point, the genesis of a significant shift in my daily routine and mindset. My mental health transformed from “sad and clueless” to “wise.”
“So, what’s the secret?” you inquire eagerly. It’s surprisingly simple, but the impact is nothing short of magical. Brace yourself, for I embarked on a journey to decipher the enigma of my elusive 24 hours. Always in a rush and always falling short of conquering my to-do lists, I decided it was time for an experiment.
Picture this: the traditional daily to-do list still held its honorable place, maybe on the fridge or some other household beacon. However, alongside it, a revolutionary addition emerged—a separate list chronicling every single thing I did throughout the day. Breakfast? Done. Bed-making? Done. Tidying up the living room? Done. Coffee break or a bathroom break? Done and done!
As the day unfolded, I diligently logged each accomplishment, with satisfying checkmarks denoting triumphs. And by day’s end, my list was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Sure, not every task aligned with the original to-do list, but this revelation shed light on why I often felt like a to-do list failure.
It was eye-opening to realize that my day wasn’t spent idly scrolling through social media, as I had once believed. I was a powerhouse of productivity! Not every achievement may have been part of the all-mighty to-do list, but they were undeniably woven into the tapestry of my life, shaping who I am.
Life takes time! Assisting a neighbor who knocked on my door took time. Silencing the squeaky bathroom door took time. Changing my baby took time. And in the midst of all this, I managed to work, cook, spend quality time with my family, connect with my parents living on the other side of the country, apply flawless makeup each morning, embark on the adventure of potty training my baby, and so much more!
The things you do are far from mere “nothings.” Self-care isn’t nothing. Nurturing relationships isn’t nothing. And when you start keeping track of your daily endeavors, magic happens. Not only does it provide clarity on your routine, but it opens the door to improvements and adjustments.
One of the prime benefits? A crystal-clear view of your daily dance, enabling you to identify areas for enhancement or transformation. Let’s delve into a real-life scenario: breastfeeding, a significant time investment (and a precious one, might I add). Now, armed with the knowledge of where your time goes, you can contemplate: Can I multitask during this cherished moment? Sure, soaking in the connection with your baby is fantastic. However, you might also opt to explore a new recipe on YouTube, watch a tutorial, or indulge in a podcast or audiobook. The key is choice, and armed with an accurate daily timeline, you wield the power to tailor your day, ensuring success rather than stumbling into failure.
The second and most invaluable reward? A significant boost to your mental health. The day concludes, and instead of gazing upon a to-do list that’s only halfway checked, you marvel at a comprehensive list of accomplished tasks. The feeling? Nothing short of extraordinary. As you lay down to sleep, a sense of accomplishment envelops you. Yes, you may not control every twist and turn in your day, but seeing everything you’ve achieved is undeniably intoxicating. This transformative practice has become the secret elixir that reshaped my days.
Before I go, I couldn’t resist sprinkling a little sunshine your way to keep your spirits dancing to the lively beat of samba. Drumroll, please!
I’ve crafted a stunning printable to-do list for you, complete with checkboxes next to each task. Feel free to use it conventionally or adopt my approach by tracking the triumphant moments of your day. Better yet, embrace both methods!
In the grand tapestry of life, tasks and chores are just a thread. Watching a movie with your family is as vital as conquering the morning bed-making ritual. A productive life doesn’t solely consist of ticking off to-dos; it thrives on moments of joy and fulfillment. So, consider this your invitation to download the delightful printable by clicking on the image or here.
May I add that this To-Do list will go wonderfully well with the gorgeous printable calendar I designed for you to download, also for free. There’s no reason for you not to download these beauties. Check it all out here.
For now, that’s a wrap. I trust this article adds a touch of magic to your routine. Until our next rendezvous, stay productive, stay joyful, and I’ll catch you in the next one!