Making the Most of Your To-Do List

(February 2010) – In our current to-do list inspired culture it seems that everything we do simply has to have multiple purposes. This multi-tasking environment might not seem conducive to integrating a new activity or two, but what if your pastime actually became that project you have been putting off?

Turning something on your to-do list into a hobby can help ensure that you complete the project while having a little fun along the way. Here are a few ideas for all of you multi-taskers out there:

• Organizing your everything: With spring around the corner, this is the season of cleaning up and straightening out your you name it. Instead of working towards cluttering up for next year, why not adopt a more organized outlook? Make a hobby out of coordinating your home, office and everything else that piles up. By making yourself a little more organized now next spring you’ll have so much time on your hands you won’t know what to do with it.

• Plan your getaway: Traveling is a constant on those daydream-inspiring lists of things we wished we could do more often. This year, live out that daydream and make your trip a reality. The key to being able to say bon voyage is to dedicate time to researching all of the ways you can save, while still enjoying the vacation of your dreams. Work with your travel companion(s) to decide where you want to go, then scour the Internet to find deals, the best times to travel and how to get the most value on everything. Before you know it, you’ll be packing your bags and will have a whole new appreciation for the benefits of planning.

• Renovate your space: Moving is much more than a hobby, so rather than going through a realtor, and all of those boxes, dress up your apartment or home to make it look like new. Sit down with your husband, boyfriend or roommate and decide how you want to freshen up your surroundings. Put up new curtains, add some fresh coats of paint, introduce new pieces of art or décor or even go all-out with a major renovation project like adding a deck or porch. The do-it-yourself type will love the hands on work, and you will be sure to enjoy your space even more knowing the effort you put into it.

• Get smart: Few things are as rewarding as attaining new knowledge, and in today’s competitive environment every advantage you can afford yourself is a huge mark in your column. Outside of professional endeavors, the simple joy of learning a new discipline or skill is one that everyone can appreciate. So, think about a trade or topic you have always wanted to get more acquainted with, research to find the most affordable way to take on the new challenge and dive in feet first.

When all is said and done you will have one less item on your ever-growing to-do list, and the satisfaction of seeing something completed from start to finish. And when you are all done with this project you can start planning for the next one.