Confession time. It’s not too bad, so I don’t think I’ll lose any friends over it. OK. I am a PLANNER. That’s me. I ooze drops of joy when I have something to plan or organize such as a trip, a novel plot, a house project, a shopping list, a schedule. The down side of being a planner is a lack of spontaneity. More on that later.
Anyone out there who will admit to the quirks of begin a planner? We’re not an evil lot. Nope, not at all. We just like to know what’s ahead and how to accomplish the goal.
Here is what I do on a typical day to satisfy my urge to map out my schedule.
- The night before I write down the items I want to accomplish the next day.
- If I have time or I know for sure, I will prioritize the list.
- The next morning, I read the list by my computer and either agree or disagree and correct it.
- As I complete or progress on an item, I mark it out or place it on another list.
- I add to the list if needed.
Voila! Does it bother me if I don’t complete my list each day? Not at all! I think the act of writing the list and marking off one thing satisfies my planning gene.
What about when life interrupts and I have to ditch the list and react spontaneously? Glad you asked. It happened today while I was writing this blog. I had carved out a time to complete my writing, all part of the schedule. My darling husband called and invited me to lunch and a little shopping. What’s a girl to do? Accept the date, of course. I don’t turn down the calls of family and friends or the need to set aside my plans for someone else. The list is fluid; whereas, life’s interruptions demand immediate attention.
How do you plan your day? With a list? Or spontaneous all the way?
Loved your blurb about planning lists and spontaneity. I am a fly by the seat of my pants person but when there is a lot to do or remember I too make lists so I don’t forget something important. This is especially important the older I get.
I am a list-maker as well! I have a daily list at work and at home. I enjoy crossing out things accomplished and rewriting the unaccomplished items onto tomorrow’s list. It makes me feel successful to complete even a couple of items. My lists are often reminders of what needs to be done, and not necessarily everything for one day.