You absolutely need a list.

Do you find it difficult to get things done? Do you end each day wondering what you achieved? Frustrated by the never-ending chores still looming? If this is you, the solution is clear: you need to make a list.

Why make a list?

Lists are an invaluable tool for creating order in your day and in your life. Your list lets you see the tasks to be done and set priorities so you don’t get overwhelmed.

When you follow a list you can master your day. You won’t find yourself spending hours on social media or mind-numbing TV. Your tasks are done, and believe me, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of a crossed out list. If you’re a champion procrastinator, an over-worked parent or simply overwhelmed by life, a list could be the tool that saves the day.

Here are my top three essential lists.

The Daily Task list

This list organises your day-to-day life. Simply write down the tasks that you want to achieve during your day. I include everything – work, study, food, leisure, gardening, housework, walking the dog, visiting a friend, reading a book, checking Facebook. That way I get a balance in my day and don’t feel overwhelmed with hated tasks (housework!).

Cross off each task as it is completed: there’s nothing like the satisfaction of a crossed-out list. What a lot you accomplished today!

Break it down

Break large tasks into specific jobs. Take a moment to think about a good order to tackle them and which ones could be multi-tasked. Maybe laundry is on your list,? Just put the washing machine on and then move onto another task. You can cross them both off together – two for the price of one, hooray!

If something unexpected comes up don’t stress. If friends call in, or your husband suggests “let’s go out for the day” say “sure!” and add it to your list. It might bump the housework down the pecking order, but that’s okay. Your list is a tool to help your life, not to stop you from having fun.

Finally – don’t beat yourself up if a few tasks are still undone that night. Smile and reschedule them for another time.

Weekly menu plan

At the end of a busy day, the last thing I want to do is decide what to have for dinner.

What’s in the cupboard? What did we have yesterday? Can I be bothered? It’s much easier to reach for the phone and order take-out.

But take-out every night is bad for your wallet, and terrible for your waistline.

What’s the solution? Make another list.

It takes a bit of practice to decide on your meals for a whole week in advance, but the savings in time and money make this list a no-brainer.

Think about your needs first

Start by writing down any activities or commitments that will happen on a particular day for you and for your family. That will help you decide what sort of meal to cook.

Will you get home late on Wednesday? Plan on a slow-cooker meal: you can start it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal at night.

Rushing off to a class after tea, or taking the kids to sports practice? Plan for cold meat and salad with a bread roll – easy to put out and even easier to pack away afterwards.

Maybe Thursdays are your quiet days: that’s the time to be adventurous and plan for a meal that will take more time to prepare and cook.

Decide on the menu

Once you’ve sorted your activities, choose your meals and write them next to each day.

Make it as simple or detailed as you want.

Doing a little thinking and planning once a week will save you the stress of having to make decisions when you’re tired and hungry. It will save you time and money when you shop because you’ll know exactly what you need to buy. And it allows you to eat healthy, budget-friendly meals every day of the week.

Once you’ve got a few menus prepared you can simply rotate them, with a few tweaks for changing activities. So three or four plans could last you an entire season before you feel the need to change. What a bonus!

The S.M.A.R.T. List.

Most people have a dream they’d love to achieve. But often it’s so big and vague that it’s impossible to succeed. But your plans CAN be realised: with the help of a third list.

S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Orientation and Time-bound, offering the perfect framework for reaching your goals.

To create a SMART list, think about steps you need to take to achieve your dream goal. You might need to break each step down into even smaller goals. For each goal, set a time limit by which you will get it done, and write down the results you want to see at the end.

You can do it!

You can use SMART lists for any goal, be it personal or professional. I was overweight and unfit after years of working too hard and neglecting my health. But when I finally decided to stop moaning and actually do something about it, I made my goal specific – to lose 10 kg in 3 months. This was specific, measurable results-oriented and achievable and making it time-bound helped me to focus on achieving milestones at regular intervals. It was amazing to see those pounds disappearing and my SMART list kept me motivated.

The Power of a List

Don’t underestimate the power of these lists. By using them you can free up your mind and your time. You can make room in your life for yourself, your family and your friends. Your goals can be achieved; Tasks will be done: Meals will be a breeze!

So my new year’s resolution (made at the end of January) is simple:

Keep on making lists.

If I don’t have a list, it won’t get done.

So what am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?

Start enjoying life again. Get things done. and feel that sense of accomplishment.