Certainly, journaling has played a significant role in my life. From capturing childhood emotions to navigating the complexities of first love and teenage angst, I found solace in pouring my thoughts onto the pages of journals long before I fully grasped the therapeutic value it offered.
Although no one explicitly told me that journaling could be a powerful tool for coping and self-awareness, I somehow intuitively sensed its benefits.
Yet, there were moments when life seemed to spin out of control at a dizzying pace, making it nearly impossible to focus on journaling.
When my cup felt empty and the weight of writing felt burdensome, I turned to list-making for solace. While I had always enjoyed crafting to-do lists, shopping lists, and whimsical favorites lists, I discovered the soothing rhythm of jotting down lists during one of these low points.
This book provides a structured plan and balance, which were much-needed KEY ELEMENTS for my daily routine.
It happened while I was experimenting with The Miracle Morning routine by Hal Elrod. The daily journaling prompt triggered intense emotions I wasn’t ready to confront.
Instead of forcing myself to articulate these feelings coherently, I grabbed a bold black marker and began slashing words onto the paper. It was liberating. These emotions were too raw for structured sentences, and I found solace in the simplicity of listing words.
Today, I consider list-making one of my arsenal’s most invaluable tools. When I’m feeling depleted or overwhelmed by anxiety, I know that I can turn to list-making as a quick and effective way to unload (I refer to it as “brain dumping”) and organize my thoughts.
While not every list needs to serve as a therapy session, I’ve come to realize that we’re limiting ourselves by viewing journaling as the only avenue for written therapy.
Practicality and Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of list-making over journaling is its practicality and efficiency. While journaling often involves lengthy reflections and detailed entries, list-making distills our thoughts and objectives into concise, actionable items.
Whether it’s a to-do list for the day ahead or a list of long-term goals, the simplicity of lists makes them easy to create, update, reference, and decorate with a colorful flair. This efficiency not only saves time but also encourages regular engagement.
We can quickly incorporate list-making into our daily routines without feeling overwhelmed or burdened by the process—and that, my friends, is an easy button.
Clarity and Focus
Maintaining clarity and focus is essential for my brain function in a world filled with distractions and competing priorities. List-making offers a powerful tool for cutting through the noise and honing in on what truly matters.
Without fail, my anxiety goes down a couple of notches after each brain dump session, and my brain has a renewed sense of clarity. By organizing our thoughts and tasks into clear, actionable lists, we can gain an understanding of direction and purpose, enabling us to tackle challenges with confidence and determination.
Unlike journaling, which can sometimes lead to rumination or indecision (or not even starting), list-making provides a structured framework for decision-making and progress, helping us stay on track and make meaningful strides toward what we need to accomplish.
Cultivating Accountability and Progress
One often overlooked benefit of list-making is its ability to cultivate accountability and track progress over time. Instead of journaling, which may need a more precise framework for measuring outcomes, lists offer a tangible record of our efforts and accomplishments.
Over the past two years of developing a new entrepreneurial path, I have become more willing to go back and reference my lists rather than reading through the more journal-like notes I have in my notebooks. I will keep a list in plain sight for reminders and quick reference.
Who would have thought that lists could make my eyes feel so joyful and self-assured?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Journaling doesn’t hold me accountable quite like lists do. By regularly updating and reviewing our lists, we can keep ourselves responsible for taking action towards our goals and celebrate our achievements along the way.
This sense of accountability motivates us to stay committed to our objectives and provides valuable insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.
Whether crossing off tasks on a daily to-do list or achieving milestones on a long-term goal list, list-making empowers us to take ownership of our lives and create meaningful change.
High-Impact Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
My favorite find with list making is the unique opportunity for high-impact self-awareness and personal growth. While journaling often involves introspective reflection and deep emotional processing, lists provide a more straightforward and accessible avenue for self-exploration.
By compiling lists of goals, priorities, and aspirations, individuals can gain valuable insights into their values, passions, and areas for improvement. Whether identifying patterns in our behavior, uncovering hidden talents, or setting intentions for personal development, list-making encourages us to confront our innermost desires and aspirations with clarity and intentionality.
As our goals materialize and our dreams come to fruition, we gain a deeper understanding of our capabilities and potential, empowering us to pursue our aspirations confidently and purposefully.
Unlike journaling, which may require extensive introspection and emotional labor, list-making offers a more accessible and straightforward path to self-awareness and personal growth, making it an ideal tool for individuals seeking to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their aspirations.
While journaling undoubtedly has its merits, the simplicity and effectiveness of list-making make it a compelling alternative for those seeking a practical and impactful way to organize their lives. By harnessing the power of lists, individuals can streamline their thoughts, clarify their objectives, and cultivate accountability and progress like never before.
So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life, consider reaching for the easy button of list-making and experience the high-impact results for yourself.
I’ve discovered something I aim to share with others: not just an enjoyable and straightforward journey but a skill that could become a cherished self-care asset in your toolbox.
Join us at List Lover’s Anonymous this April, where you’re guaranteed a blend of enjoyment, discovery, growth, and community.
Once a teacher, always a teacher.
LIST LOVERS ANONYMOUS
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I am an author, indie-publisher, blogger, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a sea change paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing & living.
