Arranging for a ceremony after getting engaged at Christmas was the most exciting thing that Elise had ever done. The excitement of buying the dress she had dreamed about and choosing the beautiful flowers that would most complement the hundred year old church altar was satisfying and added to her joy at marrying Josh. She was able to get the most sought after reception hall in her area for a full sit down dinner after the ceremony was performed and she happily chose the menu and decided upon the music that the small band would softly play for dinner and dancing. The only decisions left were choosing the invitations and ordering personalized photo gifts for the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. She investigated options online for ideas and came up with several possibilities for the perfect photo gifts. She was convinced she would end up with a lot of pictures of her guests enjoying her marriage ceremony and reception.

When making plans for a celebration such as a marriage ceremony, there are some things to think about to ensure a trouble free experience. In the above example, Elise prepared a checklist that she was able to use to keep her on track and focused when considering all of the many details. The importance of using "to do" lists cannot be overestimated due to the part they play in keeping us on task when completing something we have to accomplish. There is also a psychological implication that merits mention when a list is used in the proper way and maintained. Three of those uplifting implications are:

1. Keeping tasks in chronological order: This is a system that organizes our mind and tasks in a way that provides self assurance and pleasure in what would surely be the dull things we have to do. It can be mind boggling to think about all of the contacts and the choices that have to be done to achieve the success of an event. Breaking down these meetings and decisions make them appear a lot more doable and provide a game plan that is realistic and attainable to tackle each day.

2. Writing down ideas spurns creativity: Sometimes the very act of writing down an idea or some task that needs doing can get us thinking in a new way and cause us to veer off on another path that can either save us some money or just be more pleasing to our overall plan. There are even instances when the act of writing down a responsibility reveals that it is not a necessary effort that needs to be made in order to reach the overall goal. This is a real savings of time and energy that is always appreciated.

3. Crossing off items on our lists chronicles achievement and completion: Nothing is as fulfilling when you are working on a huge venture with a lot of things to do like crossing off tasks as they are completed. Checking off completed pieces of the plan shows a person exactly where he or she is in the scheme of things and offers a chance to revel in what is already over and done with.