I’m a very busy person. I have to juggle alot of responsibilities, just like everybody else has to in their daily routine.

I have found that as I have gotten older, and the real world seems to get heavier and harder every month, I start to let things slip. Deadlines are harder to meet. Juggling many responsibilities between work, girlfriend, being a caregiver, my freelance work, and the seemingly never-ending upkeep of running a household has carried a heavy load for a long time.

I know what the problem is. I’m spread too thin. Too many projects. Not enough time. Poor organization habits. I try to remember every little thing that I have to do, without consistently writing down my tasks.

Without a doubt, I will forget stuff. It’s only natural. And I will be the first to admit that I have let things slip. Sometimes knowingly, because I didn’t have the energy to continue on.

The one thing that has ALWAYS helped me, is to write down and carry around a “To-Do” List. A small, folded-up piece of paper that you can easily pull out and write down those random thoughts & ideas that pop up throughout your day.

Carry around the “To-Do” List in your pocket or wallet, so it’s right there for easy accessibility. If you suddenly remember something or have a “light bulb moment,” then you pull out the To-Do List and write it down. And everybody knows that a Good Idea written down on a piece of paper, can manifest and brainstormed into a Great Idea!

However, the quick accessibility of your “To-Do” List also leaves you with no excuses for not being able to stay on top of your responsibilities. Just as easy as it is to write something on your “To-Do” list, it’s just as easy to scratch something off.

So if you have a poor memory, or if you find yourself completely overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities, try making a “To-Do” list. Just a small piece of paper and a pen. We all have plenty of those at our house.

I guarantee to you, that having a “To-Do” list constantly on you, burning a hole in your pocket, it will keep you more motivated. You will be more prompt in handling everything you need to routinely handle. Because you have this constant reminder, you will find that you have more time in the end to do things you really want to do… like hang out with the girlfriend, or play silly games with your family.

oh, and another good tip for a successful To-Do List - Carry around a pin.

* flickr image - “To Do List” by Ebby