Meryl's Notes Blog

At the end of each day, I review my Palm’s to-do list. Instead of patting myself on the back for accomplishing several things during the day, I am overwhelmed with the rest of the list. Then again, when do I ever pat myself on the back? Rarely.

If I so much sit down to watch a movie or do a puzzle, I feel guilty because I am not “working” on the things that need to be done instead of enjoying the moment. I do take joy in the little things like my youngest saying a new word, my kindergartener reading and writing words, and my oldest winning her class spelling bee (big shock as she admits she takes after her dad, a lousy speller). But when it comes to fun for me, it’s guilt city.

“…if you have ever had the frustrating feeling that your to-do list was longer at day’s end than the beginning when you put in extra time, and you thought $#%&*&^%$, you understand [my] feeling. We call that sickening feeling To-Do-List Frustration (TODLIF).”

This quick ‘n easy-to-read article has helped me change the way I do things. I pick a few things on my to-do list and work to accomplish those and feel a true sense of accomplishment. It is working, but I admit I haven’t followed it every single day. It takes time to create new habits—I’m trying.