L is for Lists.

Reasons why making a list is a good thing to do:

• They don't need an introductory preamble, you just get straight into the meat of the list.
• The act of writing a list can itself make you feel more in control and that you've started doing something productive. Which you have.
• Writing things down stops them from cluttering up your brain.
• They're great for keeping track of all the tasks you have to do.
• And they're handy for remembering what you need to get from the supermarket.
• You can cross each item off when you complete it.
• They've got a built-in mechanism for gauging how much you've got to do.
• It's easy to add more items to the list.
• They encourage short, to-the-point entries.
• You can make lists of all sorts of things - tasks to complete; groceries to buy; people to phone; ambitions; possible baby names; conference attendees; items to pack whenever you're travelling...
• You can even make lists of lists.

And here are some reasons why, if one list is good, more lists is better:

• A separate list for each project.
• A separate list for where you use it - shopping list; phonecalls to make; things to do at the computer
• Items can live on more than one list at a time - the redecorating project list and the shopping list.
• You can focus on one list and not have to worry about the stuff that only appears on the other lists.

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