Compulsive List-Maker

Just curious; does anyone else have an addiction to making lists? I have a folder on my Mac dedicated solely to my lists and a drawer in my nightstand just for them. They're also hung all over my walls with sticky tack and scribbled on random sticky notes around my desk. They range from the standard Wish List to the Bucket List to the List of My Favorite Psychiatric Terms. I have a list for lists I eventually want to make. This morning's first list is titled "Pertinent Words With Suffix -ist"= masochist, perfectionist, realist... atheist...

Next on the list is "My Phobias". Haha, "on the list"... O_o

I am surprised that you didn't use the bullet/list function on your post, about lists...

my wife is a big lister of

• things needed to buy
• things eaten
• things to do

I write things down but most only in groups of one. then I come back sometimes and collect them in a page of however many. Sometimes I post them on my blog for reference if I am working on something in town and don't want to carry the list.

Original Post by kingmedia:

I am surprised that you didn't use the bullet/list function on your post, about lists...

my wife is a big lister of

• things needed to buy
• things eaten
• things to do

I write things down but most only in groups of one. then I come back sometimes and collect them in a page of however many. Sometimes I post them on my blog for reference if I am working on something in town and don't want to carry the list.

That's a good idea! I need a blog ;]

Teehee I would have used bullets, but the little editing options at the top of the text box don't work on my pc =[ Well they probably do, but I can't figure out how to use them O_o

Yes! I have a list of favourite words - and whenever I find a new word that I like, I add it to the list. They're usually mood-describing adjectives. I also have a list of things that I need to do & that are worrying/bothering me, and it's always a huge relief when I can cross something off that list. & I keep meaning to make a bucket list but I always forget what I want to put on it... I also make lists whenever I pack, so I don't forget things - because I usually do if I don't make a list - actually I usually forget at least one thing anyway regardless of whether or not I have a list!

Original Post by green_tea_turtle_baby:

Yes! I have a list of favourite words - and whenever I find a new word that I like, I add it to the list. They're usually mood-describing adjectives. I also have a list of things that I need to do & that are worrying/bothering me, and it's always a huge relief when I can cross something off that list. & I keep meaning to make a bucket list but I always forget what I want to put on it... I also make lists whenever I pack, so I don't forget things - because I usually do if I don't make a list - actually I usually forget at least one thing anyway regardless of whether or not I have a list!

 

Me too! I'm SO paranoid of forgetting things when I go places =X I have a list of basics for traveling that I add onto based on each trip.

I have a favorite-word list, too. Some words are just so powerful and profound; they humble me. =O

Every time I get stressed at work with multiple projects, or school with multiple papers/exams (and both at the same time) I make a list of things I have to do and when I want them done by and I instantly feel better.

Things seem a lot less overwhelming if you break them down and can see them- especially when they're in order of deadlines.

Oh, and any time I have an important decision to make, personal or otherwise I ALWAYS make a pro/con list.

ha omg i make lists for everything! especially when i have a ton going on.. i have to make lists of everything i need to do and i have to plan out when im going to get everything done... to me it makes it an easier or more organized way to get things done.  also everything that i need i make lists for from clothes to food to anything..

oh god totally! :)

ever weekend i ahve these weird "weekend to-do lists" so i don't forget to do ANYTHING (but sometimes do anyway)

If I did not make lists and add things to my calendar I would be lost. I am also OCD and list making is just one of my compulsions.

Yes. I make lists like there is no tomorrow. I will make a list of what I want to take somewhere and pack my bag two months early and then unpack it and re pack it with different stuff. And I make my christmas shopping list in october.

I love making lists. lists of anything, if there's not much to list, I write my list in alphabetical order, how many letters are in each word, largest to smallest, order of how the things could be found (for grocery lists), importance or frequency.

AH! Lists! Nyeeaaahh!!!

ahem, anywho, yeah, I like to make lists, though I think it could be tied in with my severe OCD or 'anal perfectionism'

I LOVE lists! half my day is spent making lists and posting them everywhere. and the perverse satisfaction i get from checking off a completed item is wrong, just wrong.

This is amazing!  I didn't know anyone else was as compulsive of a list-maker as I am.  In fact, on my first day in one of my psychology classes, we were supposed to describe ourselves, and I used those exact words: "compulsive list-maker."  I have a lot of nervous anxiety, so making lists immediatley calms me down because it puts everything in perspective.  And some lists are just fun!  I have a bunch of lists saved in a folder on my computer, plus others that I write by hand.  I always shop from a grocery list.  I have a worry/to-do list, a favorite words list, and a list of things that annoy me.  I have a list of ideas for things I want to write about (ironically if I'd stop making lists I might actually write them!).  Oh and let's not forget my lists of meals I want to make, favorite smells, favorite songs, favorite movies, and date ideas for me and my boyfriend in case we run out of stuff to do!  I'm sure there's more but you all would probably think I'm a psycho!

Original Post by bonjourlaure:

Me too! I'm SO paranoid of forgetting things when I go places =X I have a list of basics for traveling that I add onto based on each trip.

I also have the travel list. Weird since as a rule, I dont travel as a rule but this summer knew I could not pack without one plus it wasnt just suitcase - everything from cash to plane tickets (Im that forgetful).  Also used it to pack for the return trip. 

I didnt see this mentioned but a major benefit is enabling me to see the whole picture since Im always forgeting things due to poor memory. 

Its not just lists - its structure. I have to catagorize - my online folders have folders which have folders.  Also big on spreadsheets - Im the Excel Queen.

You have no idea....

I shudder to think of the trees that have died, all in the name of my list-making addiction. 

I'm awful. I have notebooks dedicated to studying Korean. It lasts for a few days and then I end up making lists in it and have to buy a new Korean notebook. When my students are doing writing assignments, I'll make lists. Even if I just made a similar one 20 minutes before.

It's an awful habit...

Ok so I am not as bad as some of ya'll. But I do make lists alot.

i'm a huge grocery list junkie. it's ridiculous. i make lists for everything, but grocery listing really hits the spot!

Original Post by bonjourlaure:

Just curious; does anyone else have an addiction to making lists?

 No.

i have already forgotten to do the things that i didn't write on my list of things to do

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

i have already forgotten to do the things that i didn't write on my list of things to do

I will literally wake up in the middle of the night and either write something down to remind myself, or just get up and DO IT, because I forget too! :(