“If you want something done ask a busy person to do it.” This quote dates back to 1856 but its origin can not be attributed to anyone. This is a quote I have heard many times and based on my experience it is true. Although I am not typically a pressure prompted achiever, I can plow through a to do list when I am at my busiest. For me procrastination kicks in the shorter my list gets.

I have tried many systems to stay organized as I juggle work, home, business and volunteering. The system that works in one moment is clunky when the situation changes. I have used sticky notes, pre-printed planners/lists, notebooks/journals, whiteboards and apps but I inevitably return to a homemade handwritten to do list categorized by dimension. Nothing fancy but extremely easy to manage with. The list stays in my “command centre” in my kitchen. (My command centre is on a kitchen counter near the phone, chargers and paper organizer for coupons, takeout menus, school notices and flyers.)

My list is made up weekly with the following categories – In, Out, To Buy, Work, Business, Church, and Volunteer Obligations. Keeping even the regular chores like laundry on the list helps me to mentally slot the tasks that keep our house/lives running smoothly. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that I get a dopamine hit when I cross things off the list!

I know some people use to do lists only for the additional tasks that come up and believe it or not some people do not use lists! You do you – find something that relieves some of the mental weight of keeping things in your head and craft a system that works for you. (and if it only works for awhile, it is good to experiment!) Daniel Pink, author of several books including Drive, A Whole New Mind and The Power of Regret posted an Instagram video the other day explaining the MIT system – Most Important Tasks list. He suggests 1-3 items should be on your MIT list to keep you focused.

What system do you use to keep life organized?