If you're anything like me, I have to externally process 110% of what happens, or is going to happen, to me in life. Sometimes I write, sometimes I converse, and sometimes I literally just plain talk to myself. Organized chaos is a way of life for me, and it has been my love connection with writing lists that has helped me organize the chaos of my thoughts. Here is a list of lists that you should make this semester.
1. A "To Do" List
Ah, the most famous of them all. We're all probably pretty familiar with the idea of making a list of things to do, but it's not something that will ever go out of style. Most of the time, I can measure the level of productivity of a day by the number of things crossed out on my to do list. We should all make these as often as possible.
2. A "#Goals" List
It is important to set goals, and it truly doesn't matter what they are. The beauty of making yourself lists is that they are all yours. Maybe your goals look like relationships. Maybe your goals look like self-improvement. Maybe your goals aren't tangible. It doesn't matter, but by making this list, you have something to work toward.
3. A "Favorite Things" List
I often get asked the question, "what's your favorite _____", and not always do I have an answer. That's okay, but it's a good question to ask yourself as well. You can learn a whole lot about yourself by recognizing the things that you like. For me, my favorites list includes things ranging from avocados to when people celebrate people. It's okay to talk about your favorites. Other people can't know you if you don't know you.
4. A "Concerts I Wanna Go To" List
This, for me, is an excellent way to organize my thoughts...considering many of them are consumed by music. My concerts list is organized by date and city and is a great place to refer to for social opportunities. It gives me a chance to plan to go in advance or have somewhere to look to choose a spontaneous weekend. It is prepared whimsy, which most people who enjoy concerts can understand.
5. A "Prayer Request" List
This holds me accountable to asking my friends what they need prayer for, keeping note of what I need prayer for, and actually asking God to be the peace and reveal His sovereignty over whatever is going on. I keep this one organized by name of specific people, including myself, and add to it as I see necessary. This isn't always my happiest list, but is probably one of my favorites.
6. A "Christmas" List
I don't just mean around Christmas time, either. You know, it seems to me that every holiday, someone asks me what I want as a gift and it is only in that one season that I have absolutely no clue. It's like, all year I can think of things I would love to have but don't want to spend my money on, until somebody actually has a reason to get it for me. So, I keep the list year round so that when the time comes I can remember those things that in mid-July I thought, "MAN, that would rock to have right now".
7. A "Lessons Learned" List
Like I said, I externally process. Day after day, God teaches me big things in little ways. Sometimes, He teaches me small things in big ways. Regardless, it is so good to have a reminder of what I have learned saved in a journal or in the notes on my phone. When life seems as a desert or when something isn't making sense, this list is such a testament to the way God is faithful for using all seasons for His glory.
8. A "Places I've Been" List
Another testament to how good God is. He takes us places and shows us the world. Even if you can keep this list in your head, it's an awesome one to be able to look at and appreciate every once in a while. You can do this by city or country, but either way, your list is yours and it can either encourage you to travel more or make you grateful for where you've been. For me, it does both.
9. A "My Talents" List
This is another good way to learn about yourself. Your talents may be tangible such as singing or dancing. Maybe you're darn good at making people feel loved. Maybe you have sweet handwriting. Regardless of your talents, you owe it to yourself to recognize and love them. God made you this way, and He wants you to use what you are good at for His glory, no matter what it is. Don't be shy; nobody else even has to see this list...but you should still make it.
10. A "Things to Intentionally Work On" List
This list is an odd one to make, because it can feel pessimistic, but it's not. You can become so many things. You are already so wonderful, but it is positive to recognize how you can better love, better listen, and laugh more often. This is probably one of my most referred to lists, but one I never cross anything off of, because I'm always working on it. I love this list, it is humbling, and I think everyone should have one.
