I tend to be most effective if I have a “to do” List (aka action steps in a plan). In fact, I am often completely ineffective and get nothing done if I don’t have a detailed “List”. A “List” works for me. Just ask my wife. She always has a “List” ready for me. [I may pay for that one.]
So it only stands to reason that my sons should adopt the same technique. My keen observation of them proves that they have the capacity to embrace the concept of a “List”. They are extreme creatures of habit:
“I can not leave for the bus before 6:10.”
“That is my seat.”
“Egg bake is for Easter and Turkey is for Thanksgiving. We can’t eat them on any other days.”
“I always scrub my hands for 5 minutes with the scalding hot water running.”
“First the news, then I will get ready for school.”
“I always take two bottles of Gatorade to practice.”
“I have to do my devotion prior to going to bed.” [a very good one]
To be fair, teens are not the only ones that develop nonsensical habits. I actually observed an adult ask a Pastor and his family to move prior to worship because that was “their pew.” Really? Your pew? [I do go to a Lutheran church, thanks for asking]
Ok, back to the “List” topic.
With so much experience with conforming to a specific set of habits, transforming these teens to get organized using a “List” should be easy. Not so fast.
A list is restrictive, too organized, prohibitive, confining, and too structured. We often hear:
“I know what needs to be done.”
“I will do it today.”
“I will do it tomorrow.” [it never comes, trust me]
“I will remember so I don’t need to write it down.”
I am confused. One of them always has his headlight within arm’s reach but a “List” is too structured?
One of our sons has recently embraced the “List” idea by writing all of his assignments on a calendar. A true epiphany.
Hope remains!
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- What is your plan? -
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