To Do Lists Can Save Your Life

Raise your hand if you ever forgot to complete an important assignment, task, interview, or meeting.  Everyone's hand is probably raised right now, and if yours isn't--I don't believe you.  We have all had the "oh no" moment.  Human memories are a little too much like sieves for my liking.

Easy to Prioritize

If everything is sitting on the same piece of paper, it is easy to figure out what tasks need to be completed first and which ones can wait until last.  When you look in your fridge and all you see is some sour milk and shriveled up lemons, then you know grocery shopping must be at the top of your list.  If you have tons of reading for your classes, you can either put the readings in length order or class order, whatever makes it more convenient for you.

Pneumonic Devices

Writing things down, it allows you to try out different memory devices, so you avoid forgetting something essential.  Maybe you can make an acronym or saying (Can Tommy Peel Cold Citrus) to remember the order of your exams (Contracts, Torts, Property, Civil Procedure, Constitutional).  This can help you make an effective study plan where you focus on what you are struggling with.

Relieving Stress

Who isn't a fan of making life simpler?  If you don't have the pressure of remembering your personal tasks, you have more time and ability to remember material that you covered in class, and you can focus on school.  I am a huge to do list proponent because I can clear my mind when I know everything has been crossed off.

Keeping Your Dates Straight

Was the summer associate info session scheduled for March 20th or May 20th?  Did I have a meeting with my professor on the 6th or 16th?  These are questions you will never have to ask yourself if you write it down on your to do list and add it to your calendar when you get the chance.  We all know the "heart dropped to my stomach" feeling when you realize that you are 30 minutes late to a mandatory assembly.  Also, it can even help those who usually arrive late (like me) to get there on time.

Be your own knight in shining armor and WRITE THAT STUFF DOWN.

Hugs and Kisses,