My 2-Do List:
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,780
My 2-Do List:
Years ago I attended some business coaching seminars. A lot of it was stuff I was already implementing in my office but one of the new tools that really stuck with me afterward was the idea of focusing on the important stuff & changing my "To Do List" into a "2-Do List".
The gist of it is this - when we create a long list of daily to-do's and then do not achieve those goals, we are often left with negative feelings at the end of the day when we look back over the list & focus on all that was left undone.
Instead, my list always has 2 items on it in the mornings. These are the 2 things that absolutely HAVE to get done that day regardless of whatever else happens. They are the things in my primary focus - top priority. When I cross both items off after completion, I get the positive feelings of accomplishment & feel like I've stayed focused on my goals. As the day proceeds, I add items to the list AFTER they are completed & at the end of the day I am always surprised to find out how much I really AM getting done. My feeling of accomplishment doubles.
I have taken this business method & applied it to my personal recovery as well - especially when I feel like I am spiraling a bit. For instance, when RAH had his relapse last fall, I started doing this actively every day to help me maintain a sense of control within my days & my world. And it helped me to stop heaping additional negative energy on myself at a time when my life felt like a roller coaster day-to-day already.
After a few days of actively making lists it helps re-set my brain & my focus & I don't necessarily have to keep doing it. Just thought I'd share in case it helps anyone else!
The gist of it is this - when we create a long list of daily to-do's and then do not achieve those goals, we are often left with negative feelings at the end of the day when we look back over the list & focus on all that was left undone.
Instead, my list always has 2 items on it in the mornings. These are the 2 things that absolutely HAVE to get done that day regardless of whatever else happens. They are the things in my primary focus - top priority. When I cross both items off after completion, I get the positive feelings of accomplishment & feel like I've stayed focused on my goals. As the day proceeds, I add items to the list AFTER they are completed & at the end of the day I am always surprised to find out how much I really AM getting done. My feeling of accomplishment doubles.
I have taken this business method & applied it to my personal recovery as well - especially when I feel like I am spiraling a bit. For instance, when RAH had his relapse last fall, I started doing this actively every day to help me maintain a sense of control within my days & my world. And it helped me to stop heaping additional negative energy on myself at a time when my life felt like a roller coaster day-to-day already.
After a few days of actively making lists it helps re-set my brain & my focus & I don't necessarily have to keep doing it. Just thought I'd share in case it helps anyone else!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: southern indiana
Posts: 2,145
reminds me of a story I heard in AA meeting.
via direction from his sponsor, a newbie to AA was to write a list of things he wanted to start that day to change.
his list included.....
quit drinking
stop smoking
loose weight
get finances in order
begin exercising
make-up with family
get a job
take care of legal manners
make a will
and so on...
after reviewing the list, the sponsor says....no wonder you're drunk.
(improvised version)
point is for me....short lists.
sometimes during full blown chaos, it meant simply taking a bath, washing my hair, brushing my teeth, shaving my legs all at the same time. seriously.
via direction from his sponsor, a newbie to AA was to write a list of things he wanted to start that day to change.
his list included.....
quit drinking
stop smoking
loose weight
get finances in order
begin exercising
make-up with family
get a job
take care of legal manners
make a will
and so on...
after reviewing the list, the sponsor says....no wonder you're drunk.
(improvised version)
point is for me....short lists.
sometimes during full blown chaos, it meant simply taking a bath, washing my hair, brushing my teeth, shaving my legs all at the same time. seriously.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Midwest
Posts: 11,481
FireSprite, I like that idea! I'm always making long, looooong lists of stuff I need to do. Then at the end of a busy day, I look back and feel like "man, I have been working nonstop for hours and look at everything I still need to get done..." It's enough to bum me out for days.
THIS sounds totally doable! I think I need to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
THIS sounds totally doable! I think I need to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
