Notes to self: Things to do

Making plans is my favourite thing to do. Who doesn't like planning a holiday or mulling over where they fancy living next or what they would do if they got a huge bonus at work (OK — they don't have to be realistic plans)?

Making lists is a happy pastime of mine and I defy anyone to jot down a list of ten things you want to achieve by the end of the month and not feel motivated. The best part is that you don't even have to complete the list (or even start it) to feel the benefits. I am already excited about camping in Mongolia, learning Thai in Bangkok, furthering my yoga practice in an ashram in the Himalayas and making friends all over the world. I'm always discussing the things I'm going to do one day.

My friend says he has discussed with a friend all the adventures they want to take together — where they will travel, what they will do, who they might meet. And the mere fact he has discussed it is enough for him. He has experienced the little thrill that in this world, anything is possible. That is the power of a list. I do the same with my shopping lists. They are full of exotic ingredients, such as seaweed and artichoke hearts — but when I get to the shop, I stick to tins of kidney beans, pots of yoghurt and loaves of bread. If I do buy something a little "quirky", it will almost always just sit and rot in the fridge until I am sure that it has gone way past its expiry date (i.e. it's unidentifiable)..

In my bag, I have lists that cover the following: things I need to do at work, things I need to remember to bring in the next day, places I might like to go on holiday next, ways I might be able to lose ten pounds, things I need from the supermarket and an exercise schedule. I might need to make a list of what other lists I need to make.

They are a wonderful way to make a disorganised person seem effective or to distract the procrastinator. For instance, there is no hope for me being good with money but if I write a list of ways to save money, I feel as if I have made some progress, even if I don't implement a single idea on the list.

Lists are also a great way to feel as though you are making sense of your jumbled thoughts — although I suspect any outsider may think my bag is stuffed with the ramblings of a crazy lady. Who can say which is closer to the truth?

The other brilliant thing about a list is crossing stuff off it. What a sense of achievement! Who would thing that a pen, a piece of paper and a highlighter pen could bring somebody so much pleasure?

You'll never see me happier than when I am putting a thick orange line on something on one of my lists. I know several people who get so much enjoyment from this that they write things on the list that they've already done. To me, I just feel as if I am cheating myself if I do this. And yes, I do realise I need to meet some more exciting people. Believe me — it's on my "things to do" list.