Tackling To Do Lists- Successfully!!

I am one of those people who just loves to accomplish things. It truly brings me joy to clean my house. I LOVE order. When my house gets messy and there are piles of various things around I don't function at 100%. Some people can operate well in a mess but I am not one of them!

The trick for me is how to get things done with my little ones here with me and still give them 'mommy time'. So below are some things that I have found to be helpful.

~ Remember that raising your kids is the most important thing you will do! There have been times that I thought it was important to vacuum the floor. But my little man came and asked me to play and the vacuum got put on the back burner. And I was on the floor playing cars. It made my day as much as his.

~ I really try to get the kids involved in helping keep order in the house. Even my 2 and 3 year olds help by clearing their napkins and cups from the table. Kids LOVE to help, especially little ones so use that to help!

~ Quick clean ups throughout the day keep from things becoming out of control. I love 5 minute clean ups. They really help keep my sanity.

~ Prep work really helps! If there is anything that can be done ahead of schedule do it.

~ Pray while making your list, ask God to direct what you need to tackle and when. When God brings order it sticks! Include Him in all you do- I still have to practice this but its getting easier and easier.

~ Make a list and only put 3-5 things on it. If you put much more you will become overwhelmed and end up accomplishing nothing.

~ I have found that making a 'To do list' for each day of the week really helps me. It helps to put your week into order. There may be an appointment or a bill that needs to be paid that you have forgotten about.

~ Sit down at the beginning of the week to review and set goals. If you don't map out where you want to go the circumstances will control you.

~ Its also super important to remember there may be days when things just don't get done - IT'S OK!! Tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities for success. Don't allow yourself to become consumed with what you didn't get done- focus on what you did get done.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely , whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise think on these things. Phil 4:8

Focus on the good but always strive for better!