I know…the fact that this article is formatted in a list is quite ironic, but we’re going to dive into it anyway.
I’m very much a Type A person. I plan and make lists to get through my day, and I’ll overanalyze anything if I have the chance. List-making keeps things organized, reduces stress, and when it is used properly, it is a wonderful thing. However, what I’ve come to realize recently is that when I adhere to my lists with a death grip, it’s more harmful than beneficial.
There is a fine line between list-making and legalism, but the outcome difference is massive. One brings organization, and the other brings strict rules. One builds character while the other leaves no room for personal growth. Finally, one is efficient, and the other results in procrastination and demotivation.
As we approach the last weeks of the semester and final exams, let’s look at three ways to make lists and stay efficient without sacrificing your mental health in the process.
- Prioritize instead of writing down every little thing.
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Often, I put down a novel worth of things that I’d like to get done in a day, knowing that realistically there aren’t enough hours to finish them all. It’s on these days that I find myself procrastinating and scrolling through TikTok instead of working on the monster of a list that I’ve made. Trust me, it is terrifying. So, instead of writing down every little thing, I recommend scheduling by priority. Start with the things that have to be done soonest, and once you finish those, you can slowly work your way forward.
- Give yourself room to be flexible.
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I used to schedule every time block of my day, compartmentalizing my life into little boxes where every second would be used efficiently. The truth is this is everything but efficient. We aren’t made to go, go, go, without any breaks at all. Be flexible. Leave room to move things around and take a break when needed. You’re human; you can’t be expected to never need a moment of rest.
- Schedule in time for self-care.
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Finally, while leaving room to be flexible and building your schedule, it’s important that you also make yourself a priority. Don’t leave your self-care up to chance, hoping it happens in the flexible time you allotted. Write it down. Make it part of the list to check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. Lists are useless if they aren’t helping you. So, don’t be afraid to tailor the entire situation to your needs. You are important.
These last weeks can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Use these tips to help you get your work done but remember that not finishing a list is never an excuse to beat yourself up. You’re learning and growing. That’s all that matters.