DO THE NEXT THING

I'm happy to host Karen Griffin, author, writer, bible-teacher, and speaker as my guest blogger today. Life is challenging at times, especially when the everyday demands grow out of control. Karen shares her struggle when feeling overwhelmed and God's response. Thank you, Karen, for sharing your heart with us today. We're beyond blessed!

The suitcases sit by the dining room table. The snack box holds the leftover snacks. Clothes on hangers lay across the back of the couch. It looks as if I just walked in for my trip, but it’s been three days. The evidence shouts I’m lazy, but I’ve been busy. I’ve had other things to do. Why do I let what’s undone upset me and make me feel inadequate?

As I think of items on my to-do list that often go undone, I ask myself, “Am I failing at life? Are others also flustered by the clutter of the undone?”

The mess in our minds can outweigh the clutter of an unpacked trip. When we fail to meet our own expectations, we may doubt our ability, fortitude, and resolve. Why can’t we get the necessary things done? More importantly, how can we keep the undone things from making us feel like failures?

Pondering this, I develop a strategy to redirect my thinking.

1. Who’s making my to-do list?

Preconceived ideas cause me to fill my list with items I’m supposed to do.’ Who says I’m supposed to do them? Why does it matter if the suitcases sit by the dining room table for three days? Actually, it doesn’t.

2. What should go on my to-do list?

My list should contain the necessary tasks for the day. (Check. I’m doing this.) It’s the items that don’t get crossed off that cause me anxiety. It is my attitude toward my to-do list that needs to change. Not every item needs to get done today. (Let’s face it—the suitcases won’t sit by the dining room table forever.)

3. My to-eventually-do list.

I decide to view my to-do list as goals with unspecified deadlines. My list guides me to what needs to get done. If I have a bad day, get distracted with phone calls, or simply decide to do something else, it’s okay. The items will be there tomorrow.

 4. Do the next thing.

Instead of stressing over the number of items on my list or how long they’ve been there, I will use my list to guide me to the next thing. I’ll look at the list, ask what’s next, and then do it without fretting over the remaining items.

5. What does God want me to do?

My list is often full of items that don’t really matter. (At least it doesn’t matter if they get done today or tomorrow.) If I mindlessly follow my list, I may be missing the most important thing God has for me to do that day. To rectify this, the top item of my to-do list every day will now be—Ask God what to do next. Psalm 37:23 (NIV) says, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” My new philosophy for getting tasks done and feeling accomplished – Do the next thing God instructs me to do.

If we do this, we will accomplish what He wants us to accomplish each day.

What strategies do you use to get things done and feel accomplished?  

Karen Griffin desires to see others become deeply rooted in the truth and focused on living with purpose. Through her writing and teaching, she challenges others to be transformed by the Word of God. She has articles published in Refresh online magazine and is the author of Living the Dream: How to Fulfill Your God-given Purpose. Karen lives in Tifton, GA with her husband Clay. She is Mom to three adult children and MeeMa to four boys. Connect with Karen on FB @ Karen Gibbs Griffin or through her website www.karengriffin.blog.