Doing the Things You Should Do: Simple Truths to Get to Done

Sometimes, doing the things you should do looks better on the to-do list than they do in application.

Yesterday was crazy around our house.  Laundry day is normally a little chaotic, but this one was exceptionally so.  I was determined to get everything done at all costs.  It surprised me when I actually accomplished most of what I set out to do.

Doing the Things – My Checklist

Laundry – washed, folded, AND put away . . . CHECK!

Meals – cooked, eaten, AND cleaned up . . . CHECK!

Living room – mopped and straightened . . . CHECK!

Articles – written and submitted . . . CHECK!

Study time . . . oops

Bath time . . . not quite

Dishwasher loaded (and started before going to bed) . . . CHECK!

Story time . . . so close

Bible study with the kids . . . should be first – sigh

We even took time out of the day to have company over for a visit.  It worked out perfectly.  They showed up just after the baby went down for his nap and left just as he woke up.  The other mother and I were free to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

Simple Truths

As I was finishing up last night, I wondered what I had done differently.  It’s simple, but it’s not easy.  To get it all done requires that the things that need to be done are done.  That means I didn’t stop to watch a television show (or shows).  Yesterday was just one push after another.

My thought this morning was, “can I keep it up?”  The only way to continue doing what needs to be done is to push aside my selfish thoughts.  I get time for myself (I was able to take a bath last night before bed).  It just may be that the time I want or the things I do aren’t what I would have done before.

Truth is, I don’t need to watch television.  I get caught up in the 4 million channels that are available, and just keep telling my mind and body that we’ll get going again after this show.  There is always another one that comes on that I just have to watch.

Instead of wasting time in front of the tube, I’m going to get to the things that I need to do.

What’s standing in your way between doing the things you should do, and not so much?