I LOVE LISTS!
Yes, I love lists. They keep me focused, remind me of important things, and reinforce my motivations. Lists are cost-effective, too!
You might have found it useful to keep a “to-do” list of errands you need to run, tasks you have to complete, and projects you need to work on. Generally, keeping a “to-do” list results in more accomplishments, and over time, a sense of which jobs are important to you … and which aren’t.
So the “to-do” list also provides some valuable feedback and increases self-awareness. And, there is the great pleasure and pride that comes from the accomplishment … followed by the cross-off.
But tasks and accomplishments are just one area of life to manage. What about emotions? Beliefs? Philosophies?
To better manage emotions, you might have good results keeping a “to-feel” list. On that list, note the emotions you want to feel more of. Such as: happy, secure, confident, and grateful. Maybe you want to feel calm, easy, flexible, and smart. Make a list, review it daily, edit as necessary, and see what happens. By focusing attention on these things, you might make better choices, and eventually develop habits that support the emotional states you desire.
I also really like keeping a “to-remember” list. This one might have sayings, quotations, and clichés that remind us how we want to behave and our best philosophical, spiritual and ethical advice to ourselves.
The “to-remember” list can help us ride the ups and downs of life with greater ease. Here are some examples:
TO REMEMBER
Change is part of life.
Appreciate the moment.
Why worry about things I can’t control?
Notice the good things in my life.
Each moment is a miracle in potential.
Be kind.
Make choices based on the outcomes I most desire.
Tell the people I love, that I love them.
Go with the flow.
Win some, lose some … however, since I’m breathing, I’m a winner!
I find that this kind of daily reinforcement is priceless. It makes sense. No cost. Doesn’t take too much time. Nothing stopping you! So, do it. Put it on your list!
JerryPosner's Blog 
Sometimes, my to-do list is worded with the outcome in mind. I hate cleaning and laundry, but find if I put on my to-do list create a clean house or I want some clean jeans do laundry it makes a difference.
I don’t do this everyday, but I when I can’t motivate myself to do something this helps. It shifts my focus to what I need to be happy.
I really like this emotional list is great. I will not lose my temper on the 4th of July this year. If my neighbors want to have a loud party, I refuse to get upset over it. I’ll have one of my own. The “to-do” list is a great idea. Life goes on. Emotions roll up and down. Keeping a emotional list might just be the answer to my being stressed out on the 4th. Thanks Jerry.