Checklists: The Underrated Superpower That Keeps Me Sane (and Reminds My Family I’m the Real MVP)

Checklists: The Underrated SuperpowerJaune

0:00

checklist

I don’t know what it means when you’re the kind of person who either can’t or won’t pay attention to something unless you fully understand its purpose. But if that’s you, friend, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about a tool that’s saved my sanity: checklists.

Now, growing up, I remember teachers preaching about checklists like they were the Holy Grail of staying organized. But honestly? I didn’t get it. Why waste time writing things down when I could just remember what I needed to do? Spoiler alert: that didn’t work out as well as I thought.

Here’s why checklists are life-changing, especially for people like me—moms, homeschoolers, partners, and underappreciated superheroes:

1. Accountability

As a homeschooling parent and the business manager of my family, checklists give me a snapshot of how I’m managing all the things. I can see where my time is going and whether I’m investing in myself—or just running on fumes.

I can track what subjects I’ve covered with the kids, what areas need more focus, and even how I’m nurturing other relationships—like friendships, family connections, and support networks. I can ask myself, “When was the last time I got an update from one of my kids’ therapy teams? What goals are we crushing, and where do we need to refocus?”

Basically, checklists keep me honest and help me avoid the chaos spiral.

2. Sense of Worth

You know what feels great? Checking things off a list. The more I check off, the more I see how capable and efficient I am. My self-worth gets a boost because I can literally see my accomplishments laid out.

And let me tell you—when I’m in full powerhouse mode, I’m unstoppable. Sometimes, I look at my list and think, “Dang, I do ALL this on my own. Without me, this family would be in shambles. You better recognize!”

It also helps me realize I can do things alone if I have to. Sure, it’s harder, and some things take longer, but I’ve learned just how independent and strong I am. Wake up, honey—I got this!

3. Analysis

Here’s where it gets deep. A good checklist can be like therapy. When I feel down or overwhelmed, I can look back and analyze what’s been going on. Did my productivity drop because I’m stressed? Am I spending too much time serving others and not enough on myself?

A checklist can help me catch those patterns. When I notice I’m sliding into burnout territory, I can add little self-care tasks to the list—things that help me recharge and manage stress before it snowballs.

Bottom Line

Create a checklist. Start simple: just a few tasks, a few words. As it becomes a routine, get more detailed. Write down how long you were on the phone, who you talked to, and how you felt afterward. You might discover that certain people are energy vampires draining you dry—or the ones who recharge your soul. Either way, you’ll know who to call back and who to... not.

At the end of the day, checklists aren’t just about staying organized—they’re about taking control, finding clarity, and reminding yourself just how much you do. So, grab a pen, make a list, and start checking things off. You might just realize you’re not surviving—you’re thriving, one checkbox at a time.