Do you find you have the tendency to overplan your time off?

**TheRootedNomad** · 09-25-2008, 08:54 AM

I'm really looking foward to some vacation time I'll be starting Saturday. I'll be off from work for a total of 11 days. (returning the following Wed.) I find that with the DH and I both working full time, the boys being in soccer, homework, routine upkeep at home, and our DIY projects that when I get time off I generally have a list soooooooo long that I never really get to relax. Now I will say that even though it's a full list a lot of the DIY stuff is stuff I enjoy. On the other hand a lot of the stuff is catch up on "have tos" and "shoulds" that I don't enjoy.

I found myself last night starting my "lists" for my upcoming time off. I forced myself to walk away. This morning I've jotted 2 seperate lists down already. I seem to be unable to say "NO LISTS" just take it as it comes. So I think I instead of avoiding making the lists I am going to make them but be very conscious about what I put on them. After I jot them all down I am going to prioritize and am going to allow myself only one "should" or "have to" for each day. I will cross all the other "shoulds and have tos" off. Then I can decide whether to tackle those all in one day or 1 a day. Everything else that I let stay on the list needs to be things I enjoy doing or is routine that I would do anyway such as grocery shop.

I have been working for years on slowing down, being grateful, and simplifing my life. I have come along way in a lot of areas but overscheduling my time is an area I REALLY struggle with. Is anyone else consciously aware of this as an issue for them???? If so, how are you trying to grow past it, or how have you grown past it?

**Russ** · 09-25-2008, 09:01 AM

I can so relate to your problem. My list is much like yours...long. And as I'm doing things around the house I notice more things that need to be done.

But reading your post reminded me of something we did a few years back that helped pare that list down rather quickly.

We wrote down all those DIY projects on separate slips of paper and made a grab jar. Along with the everyday things on the weekend we committed to finish at minimum 1 job from the jar. We didn't cheat, if you drew the job it had to be done.

I need to do that again so thanks for the reminder.

**forHISglory** · 09-25-2008, 09:05 AM

I overplan everything. It's genetic......

When I was teaching, my lesson plans included twice as much as I could possibly do in the hour. My to-do lists around the house are longer than super-woman could possibly do. Guess I set the bar high!

My mother was the same way..... like I said, it's genetic. Or would that be the environment?????

**TheRootedNomad** · 09-25-2008, 09:05 AM

..... I think I might have to start out with a REALLY LARGE jar though....maybe a 50 gallon barrel might be better LOL.

Seriously though I think that's a neat idea. I might give that a go.

**Russ** · 09-25-2008, 09:08 AM

Write on really really small slips of paper.

But as a homeowner, the DIY projects will likely never end.

**TheRootedNomad** · 09-25-2008, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by forHISglory

I overplan everything. It's genetic......

When I was teaching, my lesson plans included twice as much as I could possibly do in the hour. My to-do lists around the house are longer than super-woman could possibly do. Guess I set the bar high!

My mother was the same way..... like I said, it's genetic. Or would that be the environment?????

Nature/Nurture ...who knows??? All I know is I am having a hard time getting past it.