The Maslow List: Stop forgetting and Start relaxing

Our lives are filled with all kinds of small tasks that need to be done somewhat regularly. But it's hard to keep track of everything and make sure you don't forget to do something.

Not anymore! I have a solution: The maslow list. This is basically a checklist of all the tasks you need to do to keep your life running smoothly. You put all the things you need to check, maintain or keep track of on that list, and review the lits on a regular basis.

This might seem simple, but when used correctly, it can be quite powerful. The idea behind it is that you work your way through the list every week, and once you have checked all items and done everything that needed to be done, you have free time! You don't have to worry anymore, or try to remember what it was that you should have been doing. Because if you needed to do it, it was on the list.

The list is a catch-all for all the small things, and puts them into a system. But how can we best use this system? I propose the following steps:

How to use the system?

1. Once a week, go through the list. And then for each item, either:
   • Check it and determine that it needs no attention this week, or:
   • Take care of it immediately, or
   • Plan the exact date and time of when you are going to take care of it later this week
2. Only move from one item to the next when you have handled it in one of the abovementioned ways.

But what do you put on the list?

The short answer is; Anything you want.

The way I structure my list is in the order that Abraham Maslow ordered our needs in his Hierarchy of Needs. He basically ordered the needs that humans have as follows:

where the higher needs cannot be met before the lower needs are met. This is then also the way I propose to order your needs; Start with your basic needs, then move up to psychological needs and finally take care of your self-fulfillment.

Enough talking, let's look at an example list, shall we? For inspiration, here's my list (with some minor modifications):

1. Physical Health

• Sleep well
• Eat healthy, drink enough
• Maintain the body through exercise and walking

2. Mental Health

• Spend time with God, through prayer and reading the Bible
• Spending time on myself, by doing things that give me energy
• Set boundaries
• Follow my own goals and ideals instead of letting others determine my goals

3. Basic Needs

• Backup data to USB
• Clean house
• Do house chores
• Wash bedding/Duvet/Pillow
• Wash, hang to dry or tidy up clothes
• Dispose of waste / Dispose of glass
• Check if I need groceries
• Buy groceries
• Clip nails (Hand and Toenails)
• Shave
• Mend clothes
• Brush shoes
• Check buying list, plan when I will buy
• Check open tasks in email, add to Open Task list
• Take care of Open Tasks (if < 2min) or schedule
• Check the agenda for next week and see if I still need to fix something in advance

4. Relationships With Others

• Maintain family ties by calling and visiting
• Develop and maintain friendships
• Develop and maintain professional relationships

5. Deploy Talents

• Study/work

I work through this list every Sunday after I come home from church. This way I know I have the time for all of these things, and when it is done I can confidently relax, for I know that I took care of everything that needed taking care of!

I hope this was useful. Please adapt the list for your own situation, and add things relevant to you. For example, 'Water plants' or 'Check oil level of car' could be part of your list.

By using this maslow list, you can free your mind of worrying about the small tasks in life, knowing that you'll take care of them when the next sunday rolls around. Thus, you free up your mind to pursue bigger goals and to to enjoy life!