Productivity

I like being able to cross items off a list, almost as much as I enjoy making the lists in the first place. I kept a journal for years. I wrote in a diary with a lock and key during my teen years, writing down school crushes and fears, and even throwing in a cuss word or two for emphasis.

Now I just keep lists, a plan for the day beside my computer and a compilation of films I've watched on what used to be a telephone table. Today I successfully completed all the tasks on my list and added another movie to my notebook. I wrote a grant proposal and promoted a film festival, but most importantly I had time to meet a friend for coffee and a chat.

And yes, I added my coffee date to my list along with the usual emails and memos. Instead of just listing jobs, I like to include events and social outings, highlighting the memories, but also drawing parallels. For me, these events are just as important as the tasks I have to complete. For me, a coffee date makes it easier to spend hours at a computer. I even include my exercise classes and dog walks.

When I was writing in my diary as a teen, I sometimes had trouble sleeping, but instead of counting sheep, I went through all the activities of the day one by one, showing myself how tired I should be after such a busy day. It usually worked. I started yawning, slowed my breathing, and fell asleep. Lists work for me and always have.