Why I’ve ditched the to do list

Sam Leader

Before becoming a mum, I was a prolific list writer and multi tasker. But now spare time is at a premium, these methods aren’t cutting the mustard. Here’s what I do now.

In an environment where having a shower seems like a tall order, my ‘things to do’ list has come undone. Multitasking is no longer an option as looking after Amy requires all the concentration I can muster.

As a result, I’m experimenting with a different way of getting things done.

Now, when baby’s asleep and something needs doing, I’m prone to just do it. Instead of thinking “This room needs a vacuum” I’ll get the vacuum cleaner out and do it. As soon as I think “I must return that phone call”, I make the call.

I have a new respect for time, which means procrastinating is a thing of the past.

There’s something satisfying about cutting out the middle step of a to-do list. Doing, rather than planning to do, sees me carry an air of ruthless efficiency and it certainly feels as if I rip through some tasks in record time.

On the downside, very young babies tend to operate in the ‘urgent, important’ quadrant, which means lots of tasks get interrupted. In fact even now I can see a pile of dust yet to be swept into a dustpan. And don’t get me started on how long this missive has taken.

Another downside of the impulsive approach is you don’t get a chance to consider the value of what you’re doing. Only when faced with cleaning up hardened, unusable chocolate icing intended for Australia Day lamingtons did the thought “Is baking the best use of your time?” cross my mind.

So I’m still deciding whether doing jobs here and now is a ‘better’, i.e. more efficient, way to do things.

What do you reckon? Is a half vacuumed room better than writing ‘vacuum house’ on a to do list? There’s nothing wrong with uniced lamos-cum-sponge squares, that much I do know.

Tell us what you think via a comment.

Incidentally, thanks to everyone who’s been in touch with congratulations. Amy is now six weeks old and her dad and I are only now coming up for air. She continues to surprise, delight… and exhaust! Latest pictures are available here.

Until next time.

Love your housework,

Sam Leader is a director of Flying Solo and its editor. She is the co-author of Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business.

55 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 4 5 | Next» View all»

I've always thought that doing is better than listing. The only time it comes unstuck is when the doing is really unpalatable, so listing everything suddenly seems much more important. I've found that generally I have a good feel of appropriateness in timing, and I only list time bound tasks a day or so before deadline. Denise Maffey CA from Kumeu NZ
Cobwebs and dust will keep till tomorrow
But babies grow up, we've learnt to our sorrow
So lay down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
Cause I'm rocking my baby
And babies don't keep
(author unknown) Lynne from Brisbane
Quentin Crisp (who never cleaned his apartment): after the first two or three years the dust doesn't get any more.
I'm with impulsive - as long as the tasks are obvious enough.
If there's stuff you need to remember I find writing on the back of my hand works well. Evan from Sydney, Australia
The book 'Eat That Frog' by Brian Tracey has the answers. Its not about lists and time management, its about priorities as you have found now that much of your your time is being taken up by your top priority… Amy. John Naismith from Wantirna, Melbourne, Australia
Ha! Try having two of 'em!! Yes Sam, I also have adopted the method you are using. However it is always at the most oportune times that I get a fantastic idea, or I'm able to continue that train of thought that was interrupted previously. So I've also learnt to carry a tape recorder with me. If it's a time tht I can't do what I'm thinking,I use a recorder. I don't then lose all my bits of paper that I wrote things down on. So I guess when you become a WAHM, you need to do both! Good luck and congratulations! Emma from www.divapromotions.com.au
With a toddler and a new baby, I've noticed a pattern in my life. Each time my wife was pregnant, I got heavily into lists and time management systems, particularly David Allen's Getting Things Done. Each time the birth approached, my lists and systems became unmanageable. With a new baby in the house, a to-do list seems like a recipe for frustration, as it would end up being a list of things I'm not getting done. Tai McQueen from Yea, Victoria

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