Yesterday, we talked about scheduling.  The next key tool is the list.  Y'all know how much I love lists.  I love lists so much that I've actually made lists of the lists I need to make.  Making lists and crossing things off makes me happy.

You don't have to be quite as list-dependent as I am, but lists are useful and important. 

You can keep a small notepad in your purse, briefcase, or pocket.  PDAs have memo functions as do most cell phones.  You can use a small digital recorder and make an audio list.  There are two keys to whatever list format you choose:  it needs to be easy to use and you need to be able to find it when you need it.

What sort of lists should you make?  That's going to depend on your life.  A daily task list is always helpful.  Other useful lists:  a grocery list, a long-term task list, an errand list, a packing list, a books to read list, a resolution list, a gift list, a bucket list.

The purpose of lists is to keep the things you want or need to do in the front of your memory, to help you keep your focus.  Our lives are very full and the background noise can crowd out everything else.  It takes effort to stay focused on the things that really matter to you.  Lists are a handy way to do that.