Checklist Guy is Getting in the Way
Every morning as light begins peaking through my windows and the pollen from the night before is wiped from my eyes this battle begins. There is this guy who always wakes up with me who starts making lists of things we need to get done in order to have a successful day.
There’s nothing wrong with checklists. Making lists, especially as we get older, keeps us on task and reminds us of things we need to get done. But over the years, this guy and I have used the checklist as a measuring stick to rate the day. The checklist is no longer a reminder but the goal.
The more I check off the checklist, the happier we both are and the more successful we feel. The problem is, Checklist Guy and I aren’t getting along right now. Lately, as I wake and he starts making the list, I’ve turned over to ignore him. Checklist Guy is persistent. He doesn’t give up a fight easily. But I too have become more persistent and my powers to ignore more tenacious and I’m winning.
This morning we had a blowout. I got so irritated with Checklist Guy that we didn’t even speak. No matter how much he tried to get me to write something down, I refused. He tempted me with planning out next week and finding ways to bring in more money. He’s a nasty, gnarly guy who only wants his way. Checklist Guy doesn’t want to lose or loose me. He hates to see me find freedom, especially when it’s so close.
Lately he’s gotten so ticked off at me he’s even starting to tempt me with old ideas and stroking my ego to try to bring me back. Checklist Guy will not just disappear. Getting rid of him is a process because he’s me.
I want to sit down, plan out my whole life, and fall back into line so I can feel successful and secure again, but I can’t. It’s a huge trap and I don’t want to lose all that I have gained.
What I’m starting to realize is that Checklist guy is simply a self centered man who still thinks his value comes from what he does. Don’t tell Checklist Guy but I’ve got a plan to get rid of him. His days are numbered and he’s not going to like it.
Oswald Chambers said this morning; “I am here not to realize myself, but to know Jesus.”
Checklist Guy is getting in the way.
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Great post, Rick. Your insights always leave me re-evaluating my life. May God bless your day!
I have a very dominate Checklist Gal that runs my ilfe. Thanks for the wise words and insights. I can see I would benefit from at least minimizing her impact. She is pretty strong willed… but I'll be reevaluating her value add. I so appreciate your insights.
Ha! I am totally opposite! I think sometimes I need a checklist guy! I am easily distracted and always looking for the next thing to be involved with or be a part of… even if the thing I am currently doing isn't done! So, sometimes checklists are ok. Just so long as they don't run your life.
Ha! I am totally opposite! I think sometimes I need a checklist guy! I am easily distracted and always looking for the next thing to be involved with or be a part of… even if the thing I am currently doing isn't done! So, sometimes checklists are ok. Just so long as they don't run your life.