Everyone who reads this blog knows how much I rely on my lists. My productivity has skyrocketed since I started keeping a little notebook of lists. I have longer range lists like new year's resolutions, projects, and gift lists, but I also keep two lists for each day – one for home and one for work.

With the help of my excellent boyfriend, I've identified five reasons that I find lists so helpful. I thought I'd share them with you (yes, it's a list about lists!):

1. I don't think of my list as a to-do list, but as a list of things I plan to accomplish today. Approaching the list as a positive opportunity instead of a burden makes a big difference.
2. Having the list lets me know when I've done enough for the day and that it's ok to sit back and relax. Otherwise, I would be more likely to feel like I had to keep working to exhaustion.
3. A list helps me to identify the projects I can complete in the amount of time I have available. That way, I don't lose time trying to figure out what to do — meaning more time for actually doing things.
4. I don't act as though my lists are written in stone. If I need to delay something, I do. If I have an opportunity to spend time with a friend I haven't seen in a while, I do. But having the list helps me to keep track of the things I re-schedule. In the same way, if I find myself with some extra time, I can work  ahead.
5. Finally, I am a very busy elf. I am always looking into the future while I try to live in the present. Having a list helps me to keep my plans for the future from weighing down my today. I can put tasks for the future on my list and then let them go until the time is right. I don't have to keep chasing them. That's more calming than you'd imagine.

So, that's why I love to use lists. How about you?