the truth about complainers

I am a complainer. When I complain, I don't think I'm doing it for attention, but I really am. Without thinking about it, I'm really just asking for people to listen and help. Complaining doesn't accomplish anything, but motivation will.

What is complaining? Well, it's really just a list of grievances. What's worse is they're usually solvable issues, such as not getting enough sleep at night - just go to bed earlier or plan your time more efficiently. It's really as simple as that. Of course, if it's a medical issue, you need to seek advice from a doctor.

Complaining, making excuses and generally procrastinating are my biggest hurdles when it comes to completing tasks. A lot of items on my lists will linger while I complain about them or just ignore them. I'll say things like, "I have to do the laundry, but I don't want to/ can't because [insert excuse here]." I'll say it so much that eventually I believe it. It's much easier to do this for home tasks than work tasks because there is more motivation at work.

So how do you motivate yourself and avoid becoming a complainer? It sounds corny, but baby steps. For me, the fastest way I complete a task is by turning that daunting task into a list of mini-tasks, even if it's a mental list. I tackle those mini-tasks without expectations of finishing the entire task, but sometimes I surprise myself.

One day, I wanted to clean the kitchen. I had been complaining about the mess and procrastinating for weeks. It was starting to smell and look disgusting. I decided to just clean the sink area. I made a list to clean the sink, counter and take out the trash below the sink. As I checked off each task, I found my confidence and motivation increase because I saw results. Over the course of the next few hours, I not only cleaned the sink area, but the rest of the counters, the oven, the island, cleaned the fridge, the floors, the living room, and before I knew it, I was doing all the windows in our home! It was so exhilarating!

today's list

• Take my son to the park
• Buy a birthday present and card for a relative
• Do a load or two of laundry
• Find something quick for dinner
• Rest

Progress report from the next morning:

• Didn't take my son to the park, but I took him to the mall
• Didn't buy a birthday present or card, but I got a lot of good ideas
• Didn't get any laundry done, but I did sort the clothes
• Did find something quick for dinner
• Didn't get a lot of rest, but I slept in the next morning!

It's all about baby steps...

why I write lists

Who am I? I am a Canadian, a wife and a mother, but also a list writer.

I have been writing lists for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I was often teased by my brother for writing lists and including items such as "wake up" and "shower". But I come by it honestly as my parents are both list writers.

For me, it has always been a way to stay organized and motivated. I don't do well with stress and I know if I didn't have lists, agendas or calendars in my life, the stress would be overwhelming and I'd never get any sleep. Since having my son in 2009, I've found lists essential. But, while I admit to being a bit of a control freak, I still try to make it fun. I get a thrill from checking things off my list and try to get them checked off in as little time as possible.

What kind of lists do I write? Well, anything from the daily routine and shopping lists to future goal lists. I will be using this blog to post my lists, update my progress and generally discuss issues related to these lists.

So, why do you write lists?