1. One load of laundry, start to finish.
2. Read the paper, or throw it out.
3. Go through mail, sort, pay bills.
4. Clean kitchen before going to bed.
5. Take out garbage.
6. Pick up/straighten house.
7. Lay out clothes for next day.

Be honest. If you did those 7 things tonight, how you would wake up feeling tomorrow? Ahead of the game? I thought so.

Whatever you do -- or don't do -- on a regular basis defines you, and defines your life. Now while you may not want to be defined by daily chores, it's not the tasks themselves but the way it makes you feel that will define you.

Make the list personal. Perhaps you need to call your mom or your sister each day. Perhaps you'd like to read or journal. If it will make you feel better the next morning, then it's list-worthy!

The idea is to get *daily* with your life. What feeling do you want to be defined by, and what do you need to do to get that?

Try using the checklist as a Visual Aid. Keep it simple, things that only take a few minutes, or else keep it to only 2-3 items. By making a conscious choice about things, you'll get to the end of the day-- or week, or month -- feeling confident, more in control, less stressed -- happier! And that's what it is really all about, isn't it?

Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates specializes in helping people who are ready to create a simpler, less stressful, more joyful and meaningful lifestyle. Get information on her programs and services at www.reallifecoach.com.