[Perna]

I often get into trouble if I plan things too closely as I get feeling controlled by the plan. But if I don't have a plan I can end up not doing much of anything. I use to make to-do lists but then was getting too involved in the list making and feeling guilty if I didn't get something done, or moving it to the next day's list, etc. and finally "learned" it's a better idea for me to only make a list with fewer than 5 items on it and make it as practical as possible. However, I make fun of myself sometimes when I do that sort of thing because it's so easy to remember 3-5 things you want/need to do, why make a list? So I wish there were some way to deal with the dichotomy-like conflicts.

[(JD)]

I hear ya!

I have a printed pad of lists (on the same sheet...) things I ought to do, things I must do, things I want to do, things that someone needs to do... it makes it easier when I am limited in energy or time.

I so hear you Perna.... needing the list but feeling intimidated by the list....or my favourite.... feeling robotic and controlled by social order or some other foolish mind warp idea. Either way I hate too much order and lists while useful are intimidatinglol.

What I've discovered is that I like to have choices and flexibility in my planning. I have some things that I try to do routinely but where I can give myself choices. Seems to be less confining for me.

I have a weekly to do list and each day I pick from the subcategories based on priority and interest. I have goals for the week but give myself flexibility with how they will get done throughout the week

[Perna]

I mostly just use my head instead of writing things down. I'll write down occasionally, when my head gets too full

But I get crazy with lists until I'm either scheduling bathroom breaks (like I can't be trusted to know when I have to go and just do that?) or making up fun things to put on there (like schedulling coming here) so that I'll have something to pick that I like. But then I start picking what I want to do or not putting things on the list that I won't do and my head just explodes after awhile. Eventually I realize I can just "do" what I know/want to do, I don't have to give myself permission or remind myself or whatever; I can "see" my messes I want to cleanup or books to study, etc. I'm retired so it's not like I have a time management problem

[(JD)]

Oh I also have a spot for "things I probably won't do but could if I had time"