This post is part of Just Jot it January and my weekly prompt, Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Find the prompt and see how you can join in HERE.
Every day, I write out two to-do lists for myself.
One is the stuff I need to get done “today,” things like edit this, write that, read a book, post for Just Jot it January … stuff I know I need to do without making a list, but it’s nice to be able to cross off the easy stuff.
The second list is stuff I need to get done in the near future—update my editing site, update my author site, get covers for my new series, etc. Some of the things on this list have been there for years.
Procrastination is a thing, and apparently so is self-sabotage. But I digress.
Every day, I see the things I need to do—the things in front of me.
But I only go back to see what I’ve accomplished—the things behind me—once a year.
Maybe I’d be less down on myself for not getting things done if I looked back more often and saw that there are things on my second list that I have accomplished.
This contemplative post is part of Just Jot it January and SoCS! Want to join in? Just click here to get to the prompt and drop your link. It’s fun!

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/

January 5, 2025 at 6:39 am
I think we all procrastinate to one degree or another but having things crossed off lists relieves the pressure. And even if you are procrastinating over some things you’re definitely still being productive. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
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January 5, 2025 at 9:57 am
I constantly have to remind myself that yes, I am being productive. Thanks for the extra reminder, Wendy! 😘
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January 5, 2025 at 12:01 am
When my four kids were young tornadoes following me around undoing all the work I was able to do, I learned the trick of writing that list and crossing off so when I looked around at the mess, I’d know what I had accomplished. I still need that list. Now it includes my goals of fun, not just chores.
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January 5, 2025 at 9:56 am
I totally understand (and remember well) what it was like having young kids. I wish I’d thought of making lists back then.
Yay for fun lists! 😀
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January 4, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Very true Linda. We also need encouragement from ourselves too
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January 5, 2025 at 9:53 am
Indeed we do! 😀
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January 5, 2025 at 12:39 pm
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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January 4, 2025 at 5:09 pm
You are more organized than me Linda! I don’t even have my to do lists written! 😀 Lol!
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January 4, 2025 at 7:52 pm
I’d forget almost everything if I didn’t have my to-do lists. 😛
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Pingback: Stream of Consciousness Saturday & Just Jot it January 2025 – 1/4/2025 In front/Behind #jusjojan25 #jusjojan #socs
January 4, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Never lose track of what you’ve done.
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January 4, 2025 at 7:42 pm
More excellent advice! Thanks, Dan. 😀
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January 4, 2025 at 1:51 pm
Writing a list is showing up on the page, and therefore, we’re half on our way! You go, girl…I’m right behind you with my SoCS and JusJoJan. Thanks for the innspiration!
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January 4, 2025 at 2:16 pm
You’re very welcome, Liz! Thank you again for your inspiring contribution to JusJoJan. 😘
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January 4, 2025 at 1:46 pm
I hear you. Yes, procrastination & self-sabotage are a thing but so is life, family and the great unknown who have a tendency to get into the picture without our doing. Be kind to yourself. It makes you astonishingly fast in sorting things in my experience 🤗
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January 4, 2025 at 2:15 pm
Excellent advice—something I forget to do most days. Thank you, Bee! 😘
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January 4, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Me, too, thats why I share advice no one asked for 😎😘
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January 4, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Haha! Much appreciated. 😀
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January 4, 2025 at 12:31 pm
you are acing life Linda 💜💜💜
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January 4, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Thank you so much for your encouragement, my dear friend. 😘
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