Is it an "To-do-list" or are they "Opportunities"?

“Rename your “To-Do” list
to your “Opportunities” list.
Each day is a treasure
chest filled with
limitless opportunities;
take joy in checking
many off your list.” 
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

I posted my "to-do-list" for my week of vacation and instead of having a crossed-off-list to share with you, I had a less-than-half completed list when last week started. I plugged through the list before and after school last week, half a dozen "to-do" items remain. There are a couple ways to respond to this. One, I could beat myself up for not getting everything done in a timely manner or two, celebrate the things I did accomplish.

I happened upon this quote last week, challenging us to view our to-do-list, as an opportunities list. How would our thoughts and motivations change? How would our priority items be adjusted? It's an interesting and life-changing mind shift when you slow down and reflect on previous lists.

If you follow me on Facebook then you know I've talked about how cleaning my house has been on my list since Christmas vacation and is still a work in progress. If I shift my mind to an opportunities list, then I have accomplished far more than I haven't. Is my house still in need of some TLC, yes, BUT, did I spend time with my daughter planning and preparing for her future after graduation? Yes. Did I help a friend who needed a listening ear and enjoy a much needed cup of coffee (with baskets of clean clothes stacked in the chair near us)? Yes. And guess what, my friend never mentioned the laundry because our TIME is more IMPORTANT and VALUABLE than the cleanliness of our house or the amount of clothes in need of folding.

How would your attitude and prioritizing change if you
made an "Opportunities List" instead of a "To-Do-List"?
What is the first opportunity you will write down?