It’s the end of the year. So much to do and so little time to do it.
In the oft-heard jingle, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, Santa is MAKING A LIST and CHECKING IT TWICE.
One of the most important time-management tools is a list. Every day. Of what you need to accomplish.
Without the list, you will probably waste a lot of TIME, trying to remember what needs to be done.
Without the list, you will surely get distracted by other tasks.
There are several types of lists you can use:
- Daily to-do
- Long-term projects
- Yearly or life-time goals
On my daily to-do list, I put an asterisk next to the items that are MOST IMPORTANT and I try to do these first. I also have a small section of the daily to-do list that itemizes what I need at the store…this part of the list can carry over to the next day. I try to go shopping only once or twice a week. That saves time and money!
What’s on my to-do list today?
- Finish reading the entries to Susanna Leonard’s Holiday Writing Contest (over 100 submissions (you can read my entry here) – don’t forget to come back on Monday for the link to VOTE for the winner!
- Read Marcie Atkins post, We’re All In This Together (WAITT) – I’ve been participating in her blog feature this year and today’s post is a wrap-up of our 2013 accomplishments.
- Send out Christmas cards and mail out a couple of copies of Show Me How…ON SALE for $24.99 on AMAZON.
- Work on revising the manuscript I just got back from author and life coach Alayne Christian. I won a professional in-depth critique from her because of my participation in Sub Six and I know that with the suggestions she has made, this will be a powerful story to resubmit to a publishing house that was interested in it. I also gave it to both of my critique groups and will incorporate their feedback as well.
- Straighten up the house – we had company yesterday – our son from Chicago had to be in Boston for business and come to spend the day – he got to play with his nephew, 5-year old Jeremy.
What’s on your list today?
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
That is quite a to-do list! And some good advice, too. I want to get over to Susanna’s blog to read more contest entries, but my to-do list is making it tough. I hear there are some fantastic entries. I hope you remember to add “Vivian” time to your list once in a while 🙂 Best of luck with your edits and submission. Thanks for the shout out.
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You are so welcome, Alayne! And thank you for the good wishes and good advice…I will try to heed it.:) I know I should start the day with my writing…but the blog/reply to comments/comment on other blogs is very addictive. 🙂 I tell myself each morning that I will NOT go online until I have done certain tasks…that helps a little. Hopefully, I will find the right schedule for 2014…I am working on it!
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What’s on my To Do List? Here’s a clue: I am surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and Christmas cards. Ho Ho Ho!
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Have fun, Elf Nancy! Ha! Ha! Ha! I’m trying to get all that done as well.:)
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Hoping to be on Santa’s “good” list by heeding his advice! I am a list kind of person, it’s what helps keep me sane. Enjoy your holiday, Vivian!
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Actually, I’ve seen a copy of Santa’s good list…and you are on it…way up at the top!!!!
Have a beautiful holiday and a Happy New Year, Romelle!
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Hi Vivian,
Thank you for sharing your list. Congrats on getting indepth feedback. Can’t wait to hear about your submissions. I’m sure Jeremy enjoyed his visit with Santa and his uncle. I hope you sell a ton more books too!
Have a Merry Christmas. 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for the sweet thoughts, Tracy! It is getting harder and harder to follow the blogs that I love…I’m already staying up until 2am or later. Somehow I have to engineer a better schedule…if anyone wants to send me a Christmas present, I would appreciate some TIME!!!! 🙂 🙂
May your Christmas be merry and bright and filled with love.:)
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Santa has some excellent organizational skills…and a lot of little elves (and reindeer!) to help out. My To Do list is longer and more specific because I’ll forget the and take short cuts otherwise.
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Good luck with your to-do list, Marylin! It’s a great feeling when you can cross things off.:)
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You remind me I need to make a list of things I want to accomplish in 2013, and then break it down in smaller steps for each month, week, and day. Otherwise, I’ll never get it done, and it really needs to get done! And once it gets done, I’ll be amazed at myself for doing it, haha!
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That sounds like a good idea, Milka. I think Marcie Atkins has a template for a quarterly to-do: http://www.marcieatkins.com/2013/12/16/quarterly-goals-template/
I may try that. I need to do something…other than not take on so many things.:)
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I saw you post that link on Facebook yesterday. I definitely need to find a robust system for 2014 so that will be a good place to start.
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Great advice! 😀
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Thanks, Erik! Actually, you amaze me because I don’t know how you handle school, your blog and all the other activities you participate in. Maybe you should give a class in time-management.:)
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Thanks for the article Vivian , Love it my friend 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Jake…it’s so nice to see you! Glad you liked the post.:)
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goodness Vivian…you sound terribly busy – wishing you and yours a joyous Christmas
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Maybe too busy.:) Thanks for taking the time to stop by and say hello, Jo! Have a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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