7 Reasons Why Lists are Wondrous Instruments
On Thursday, I was finishing up my shopping for the Christmas season by purchasing the finishing touches of the presents for my loved ones (gift paper, boxes, cards etc). In one particular store I met a pleasant woman who was very shocked that I had practically completed my gift-shopping for the holiday season. I laughed and we chatted on, I told her that I write a list with the names of those individuals in my life who’d receive a gift, and as the idea of the gift comes to mind (based on my knowledge of the person), I immediately jot it down near their name, ensuring I don’t forget what I wanted to give them. She was quite surprised and agreed that she might have to start such a process herself, which I encouraged her to do.
The science of lists: How our brains work
When we encounter new information, our brains immediately analyse it. It endeavours to provide personal context and to catalog new data for future reference in relevant situations.
Each side of the brain controls a specific way of thinking. The left brain is analytical, and prefers a step-by-step approach (eg. lists) while the right brain prefers to see the big picture first and then process details later.
As such television commercials take the right brain approach with highly-produced images and expensive repetition. On the other hand, the left brain list format has been a successful approach for many who wish to produce information in a succinct and easy to read format like magazine publishers, late-night comedians and Internet content producers (Konnikova 2013).
There’s a very good reason why lists are fantastic. The physical act of writing something down helps cement it in memory and it is an especially awesome instrument for people who are tactile/kinetic learners. Saying it aloud while writing it makes it even more likely to stick so that one can get on with completing the task which leaves a person feeling satisfied and accomplished in the end.
Lists: Wondrous Tools
1.Lists provide a simple structure and bring order to chaos.
“People are attracted to lists because we live in an era of overstimulation, especially in terms of information,” David Wallechinsky, Book of Lists
My mind is full of dozens of different thoughts; all clamoring for attention. Making a list forces me to stop for a moment and focus on one thing at a time. Writing things down sends my mind a message that “yes, this is important” and it will soon be scheduled into my daily grind.
2. Lists relieve stress and focus the mind.
“Lists really get to the heart of what it is we need to do to get through another day on this planet.” — Scott Schaffer, The Oregonian
Simply writing things down often helps clarify my thoughts. The process of putting thoughts into words helps solidify them. Lists allow me to view the whole picture and put things into their proper places and it provides me with a plan of action, reducing my stress quota.
3. Lists prioritize the day and keeps procrastination at bay.
I create a list of all the things that need to be done, in order of priority. Lists are not just for daily duties but they help me achieve my long-term and short-term goals and as a result keeps procrastination at bay
4. Lists collate information.
In this information age where we’re all on a constant overload, information and news as-numbered-lists has several features that make them captivating:
>It positions its subject within a preexisting category;
>It spatially organises the information;
>Its story is finite (length quantified upfront).
Collectively these key points create an easy reading experience and consumption of new information is achieved readily.
5. Lists helps memory.
The act of list-making tells my brain what information to hang onto, as a result of active thinking and prioritizing. The more I mentally note information and actively write it, the better I am at remembering it.
6. Lists can be meaningful
Last year, I presented my (now) fiancé with a list: “100 Reasons Why I Love You,” for his birthday. Honestly, the list really didn’t take an extensive amount of time to write but it definitely meant a great deal to me and also to him because I actively sought to explain often mundane and sweet things that allowed me to love and continue loving him.
7. List-making allows you to become more mindful!
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Still not sold on ‘lists’ yet?
Even Captain America has a To-Do list!
Why not you?
“In the current media environment, a list is perfectly designed for our brain. We are drawn to it intuitively, we process it more efficiently, and we retain it with little effort.” — Maria Konnikova
Three Cheers for Lists!
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References
“3 Reasons”. 2017. Goldstandardbrain.Com. http://goldstandardbrain.com/brain-foods/3-reasons-todo-lists-are-good-for-your-brain.stml.
“10 Reasons Why We Love Making Lists”. 2009. NPR.Org. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101056819.
Konnikova, Maria. 2013. “A List Of Reasons Why Our Brains Love Lists”. The New Yorker, , 2013. https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/a-list-of-reasons-why-our-brains-love-lists.
Markman, Art. 2016. “How Writing To-Do Lists Helps Your Brain (Whether Or Not You Finish Them)”. Fast Company, , 2016. https://www.fastcompany.com/3063392/how-writing-to-do-lists-helps-your-brain-even-when-you-dont-comple.
