The Power of LISTS

ISSUE NO. 8

Growing up in a Nigerian household, I vividly remember the hustle and bustle of market days.

But what stands out the most is how my mother, like many Nigerian mothers, would meticulously write down a list of ingredients needed for lunch or dinner. Each item was carefully penned on a small piece of paper, accompanied by the exact amount of money needed to purchase them, in her familiar handwriting:

Ata rodo - 50 Naira

Egusi (1 cup) - 70 Naira.

Armed with this list and the naira notes wrapped in the paper, my siblings and I would set off to the market, ensuring we returned with everything needed for the meal.

Initially, we were tasked with memorizing the list, but soon our mothers realized the power of writing things down. With a list in hand, we became more efficient, making fewer mistakes and wasting less time. This simple act of jotting down items improved our market trips and taught us the importance of lists in our daily lives.

The Power of Writing Things Down

In the world of multipotentialites, writing things down is more than just a practicality – it's a game-changer. Take, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, known for his diverse interests and talents. He famously carried a small notebook wherever he went, jotting down ideas, sketches, and observations. Similarly, Benjamin Franklin, another polymath, kept a "little book" where he recorded his daily goals and reflections.

Why is writing things down so crucial?

It's simple: it enhances productivity and increases the likelihood of achieving our goals. Whether it's a to-do list, a brainstorming session, or a creative project outline, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) helps clarify our thoughts and organize our tasks.

In the world of education, the benefits are even more evident. Just as students use notes to ace exams, multipotentialites can leverage the power of writing to excel in their various endeavors. If it can be instrumental in examination success, imagine its impact on our overall progress in life and our varied pursuits.

So, I encourage you, dear readers, to start writing things down. Keep a journal to track your thoughts and experiences, start a newsletter to share your passions with the world, create that bucket list to manifest your dreams, or sketch out that roadmap to your next adventure. Just write things down, and watch as your ideas turn into reality.

In the words of author Joan Didion,

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means.

Writing has the power to illuminate our thoughts, clarify our goals, and propel us toward success. As multipotentialites, let us embrace the practice of writing things down, for in doing so, we unlock the full potential of our diverse talents and passions.

Resources

1. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

2. The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future by Ryder Carroll

3. The Power of Writing Things Down | Shonda Rhimes | TEDxHollywood

4. The Importance of Keeping Lists: How It Can Change Your Life