The dictionary(.com) defines fait accompli as, “a thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept.” I believe that trying to organize a writer’s life without the use of lists is failure fait accompli. Trust me, I’ve tried.
Over the past several decades (i’m four in at this point) I have worked with lists and without lists, each iteration of the cycle yielding varying results. The busier my life becomes, the less I compartmentalize and the less I develop lists. When I don’t apply this basic organizing tool, I fail. I fail hard. In fact I am in the process of failing right now and I recognize that it is largely due to the absence of lists. While they may not be for everyone, a list of daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities is crucial to my understanding of the world I inhabit. For example, I have a story due on the 30th of this month. I only recognize this because I saw it flash by in an email reminder. Had it been part of a daily list, I would’ve structured out a time schedule to get that story in shape without the now inevitable end of week rush to handle my business.
What do I mean by lists? I think the most basic form is to write out everything you need to get done in a day/week/month. Once the largest of these lists (that you are willing to tackle–and I strongly recommend monthly at the minimum) is constructed then break it down to the smallest possible of these tasks and rank them from easiest or fastest to the most time intensive. Get rid of that so-called “low hanging fruit” first, so that all that is left is the stuff that takes a moment to get handled. Then handle it.
There is a profound sense of accomplishment in finishing a daily list. To scratch a line through the last word on the last line of the page fills me with joy. It so rarely happens that I feel like I’ve won something. In truth, you should win something. Part of how lists work is you deciding that you are going to limit your instant gratification pleasures until the list is done. That reward makes the list run and worthwhile.