Checklist Your Way to Ease
You know that feeling you get when you check something off your list? Check. Done. YES!
What if you could expand your list and feel even better?
A checklist can do so much more than let you know what you “have to” do. Yes, it includes the three things that you “need” to get done. It can also include some of the things that you know you will do even if they aren’t on the list. The clue is to use a checklist for your benefit.
Many people use checklists to “check off” what they “need” to do. It feels as if they are exerting some control over their lives, and in the process look at the list with dread. It can feel like the list is the commander.
In reality, you have influence over the list. While you may not think you have a choice about the actual items on the list, you have influence over how you feel about each item. In turn, how you feel is what it’s all about.
Why?
So, you feel good about yourself each time you so something. And the better you feel, the more ease you invite into your life.
Brush your teeth? Done.
Something fun? Done.
Ten deep breaths? Done.
Mowing the lawn? Done.
Each time you finish something and put a check by it, you give yourself a mini boost. “YES! I did it!” This is your chance to celebrate. And when you have a string of mini boosts, you will feel better and better. Thus, you will find yourself having more ease in your life.
Ease in your life by doing what you already do?
You bet. The way it works is that the better you feel, the more ease you have in your experiences. Thus, for the most ease in your life, get to the feeling first. And an easy way of doing that is to create a checklist – including the little things, which aren’t really so little. They just have an importance that you never measured before.
And besides, a checklist will help you get the things you’d like to do out of your headspace and onto the paper (or in your phone). This frees up your brain so you then don’t have to remember what it is you need to remember.
Creating a checklist
Write your list. Include what you desire to do AND some of what you already do.
When forming your checklist, it can be as simple as bullet points or as detailed as journaling to your future self for the following day. Do it in any way that works for you.
Be sure to include some simple things such as: something that is fun, something that makes you laugh, and something that you will do automatically anyway.
Check the energy. After you choose what to put on your checklist, look at the energy of everything on the list. Pay attention to your body sensations as you look at each item.
An “ugh” with a stomach punch probably indicates that something about the item isn’t feeling great. A “yeah” with a sparkling feeling is your body showing you that it is looking forward to doing it.
What does each item feel like?
Are you doing it to get it done or to enjoy it in some way?
Shift your feelings. In an ideal situation, you will find a way to feel light and celebratory about doing each item. “YES! I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt.”
For the things you feel the gut punch, shift your focus. It can be as simple as, “The grass needs mowing, AND I’ll be so happy when it’s done and the yard looks so good.” It’s all about rephrasing what you do so that you can feel better about it.
Expand the feeling. This means that the feeling becomes bigger and bigger until you get excited about what is on your list. “I get to be outside and enjoy the sunshine. I can listen to my tunes as I mow the grass. Or I actually can use the “quiet” time to let my mind wander and unwind. And I’m really going to enjoy sipping a drink as I look at the mowed lawn.” Start feeling the joy before do anything.
Follow the energy. This is when you act and start doing what is on your list in the order of what feels the best. It’s up to you if the “best” is the biggest or smallest item. It’s also up to you to celebrate each time you check off something.
Start using your checklist to feel better and better. Remember to focus on the feelings you do desire before you act. This is an awesome way to bring ease into your life and enjoy more of your day.
