To-do lists: good or bad for artists?
As human beings, we always have a nag that we should be doing something. Something productive. Something that will get us closer to our long term goal(s). And thus, the to-do lists were utilized! By now, I'm pretty sure everyone knows what a to-do list is. Plenty of articles about productivity are out on the web. In case you don't know what it is: a to-do list is simply a list of things that you need to do through out the day. They can be related to work, family, shopping, etc. Generally, to-do lists are looked at as a good thing. "It helps you get stuff done" as your average joe would probably say. But here's the kicker - is it good for artists? Filmmakers, writers, painters, composers, etc? Or anyone who is passionate about something? Here's my take on that.
When an artist makes a to-do list, they are probably putting down things that they WANT to do. Because we are passionate about our mediums. However, when we write down something we WANT to do on a to-do list, we are actually converting it to a context of "we NEED to do this." Well, now you just took out the whole fun out of it! Now when you are going to be studying that director or when you are going to be reading that book about screenwriting, you're not going to get any enjoyment out of it. Why? All because you simply converted it from wanting to needing.
I've experienced this more times than I care to remember. I wake up, make my to-do list, and when I am doing the things that I "want" to do, I don't get any enjoyment out of it. It feels like work.
So, to summarize everything up: To-do lists are okay for simple things - like work, family, shopping, etc. If you're an artist of ANY medium, and you want to make to-do lists, only make to-do lists of those simple types of things. And when making a list, make one and call it "The things I WANT to do." Because trust me - when you wake up, sooner or later you will know what you want to be doing that day. Why? Because your passion will drive you. You will enjoy the task because - you are getting enjoyment out of it.
Extra notes
There are lots of apps and what not that allow you to make to-do lists. You can make a word document, write it down on paper, get an app, etc. Just remember - use it with caution and don't let it get in the way of your passion.
Do you think to-do lists are a good thing for artists? Do you think they take the fun out of the things we want to do? Leave a comment down below, or you can tweet me (@IlyaMTweets)!