Top 6 Priorities

I recently read the book Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow. I was interested in reading this book because I've been trying to learn as much as I can about being a good helpmeet and I had read another one of her books, Intimate Issues.

Personally, I didn't find this book very helpful. Most of it was not new to me or didn't really apply. However, there was one tip I've found pretty useful.

Chapter 4 was about priorities and she listed a few areas we, as helpmeets, should be taking care of. Priority #4 was the home in accordance with the Proverbs 31 woman passage:

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

Linda Dillow goes on to say that this includes being organized (!) and setting the right pace in our homes. It's our responsibility to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. She recommends the following method from Ivy Lee:

1. Write down the 6 most important tasks you have to do tomorrow and number them in order of importance
2. First thing tomorrow, begin with item 1 and stick with it until you're finished
3. After completing number 1, cross it out with a bright red pen!
4. Proceed to number 2 and complete it before going on to number 4

What a wonderful lesson! More often than not, I could write a To-Do list a mile long, accomplish a bunch of tiny little seemingly urgent things, and not get one important thing done in the day. By keeping the list simple and manageable, you make it possible to actually accomplish the truly important things in the day.

Now, to just work on actually making the list and following it... That's priority number 1 for me right now!! :) What do you do to stay organized and prioritized? How do you like this idea of writing down the top 6 priorities each day?