How Reminders, Schedules and To-Do Lists Save My Life

I can’t remember the last time I worked on anything without a plan or list. Every activity I embark on has been planned out somewhat in my head, on my notes app, or in my notebook. 

• I shop with a list. 
• I work with a list.
• I clean with a list.
• I post on IG with a planner.

The weird thing is that I wasn’t always like this. I’d set reminders and alarms only when I needed to. However, as I grew older, I realized making lists just made everything better and faster. When I go to the supermarket, I already have a list of items I’m buying, so I use my list to shop. It makes me remember everything I need, and it also prevents me from buying irrelevant things. I do this too when I’m shopping for clothes and shoes. Do I have a problem? hahaha

My work life is also on this level. I write a list of things I need to do for the week, and I tick them off as I do them. Sometimes, I write talking points for a meeting/discussion too. I also go as far as itemizing my report’s outlook before I begin to write it. My boss has made several comments about how she likes that I always come ready whenever we meet. She’s a busy woman, and I keep piling up things until we get to meet. This way, nothing gets forgotten. This is good, right? hahaha

When I travel, I also create a list of everywhere I want to go and everything I want to do. That way, I don’t just eat and sleep and wonder what happened to my holiday when it ends. 

When it comes to reminders, my phone is my plug. Besides birthday reminders, I have prayer reminders, date reminders, medication reminders, phone call reminders, fasting reminders, text reminders, meeting reminders. In short, name it; Mariam has probably set a reminder for it. It’s bad, right? hahaha

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The only thing I don’t plan rigorously is writing/blogging. I think it’s because it’s my haven. Though I beat myself up when I haven’t published a post in a week or written a poem in three days, I don’t set reminders for them. I let the moment come to me naturally. 

I know this lifestyle has helped me tremendously in so many ways. Some of which include;

• It creates an order for my activities
• It relieves stress and reduces anxiety
• It saves me time and money
• Increases my overall productivity

The tools/apps I use for my impressive organizational skills:

• Notes (app on iOS)
• Reminders (app on iOS)
• Notebook
• Preview (app on iOS)
• monday.com (Project Management tool we use at work)

I was told recently by a friend that I’m too organized. I wonder if it’s such a bad thing. Do you think it is?

Mariam Shittu