Ask Erin | 10 LISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Life! It gets challenging and chaotic.  There are a million things to think about and a million things to get done – especially if you are a parent of active children.  During these times I challenge you to remember my favorite advice – get prepared now, to save time and sanity later!

When life gets crazy, lists Always help.  Lists take the guesswork out of what needs to be done.  Some of the lists below will be ongoing lists that you add to daily, but some are “one and done.”  You will make them once and then you will always have them to refer to.  Easy peasy, so let’s get started.

1. To-Do List –  Yes, you expected this one I know, but there is absolutely no way I could skip it.  If you don’t have an ongoing to-do list, you are causing unnecessary stress on yourself and your brain.  There is absolutely no reason to try to remember everything that needs to get done.  Get it out of your head and onto paper as soon as the thought crosses your mind.  Doing so will free up much needed space in your head so that you can think clearly and stay productive.  I suggest carrying a notebook with you wherever you go!

2. Meal Plan – Create a list, document, or Pinterest page of quick and easy recipes.  Refer to it at the beginning of each week and peruse your pantry to see what you may need to purchase for your meal plan that week.  Now when your kids ask “what’s for dinner?” you will know without hesitation and without stress!

3. Project List – A project list is a list of the things you are responsible for regarding work, life, kids, school, home, etc.  For instance, if you are on the  PTO of your school you may need a reminder that Teacher Appreciation week is coming up.  Your project list should be used during your weekly planning process.  These “projects” will jog your memory about anything that may be upcoming or that need to get done.  

4. Goals – If you don’t have your goals written down you are doing it wrong, in my opinion.  Listing out your goals makes them more likely to happen.  It is a proven fact.  I like to go one step further by reading my list of goals every week during my planning time.  

5. Ideas – How often have you had a great idea, but you didn’t write it down,so you forgot it?  I used to do that all the time until I started writing them all down.  

6. Important Dates – This list will help during your yearly planning time and, of course, your weekly planning time.  This list will include birthdays, special events (graduations), school events, vacations, work trips, etc.  

7. Deep Cleaning Task List – You probably already have a system in place for the everyday and weekly cleaning tasks, but I suggest a deep cleaning task list to keep up with the often-forgotten tasks like cleaning fan blades, changing air conditioning filters, and cleaning exterior windows.  I prefer my deep-cleaning task list to be set up as a monthly to do list.  Each month I add the tasks to my calendar.

8. Username and Password List – It seems that every website and app demands that we come up with a unique password that is a specific number of letters, contains a number and a special character.  Furthermore, they suggest that we not use the same password for everything.  How is one supposed to remember all of that?  Write it down or keep it in a controlled note app on your phone/computer.  

9. Packing Lists – Instead of packing the night before you leave and, thus, risking the chance you may forget something, create packing lists for each of the places you generally travel to.  For instance, I have packing lists for ball tournament weekends, beach trips, and simple overnight trips.  All require very different items, so a list is a must for me. 

10. A Wish List – When you see an item you want or need, add it to the list.  Then next time your husband asks you what you want for your birthday you will be able to hand over the list and feel confident that you will get something you like this year!  

Nothing beats a good, ole list in my opinion.  Whether you choose to keep these on paper, a computer, or your phone, these lists are a must.  Happy list making!