My last 6 posts describe an extended, quirky to-do list tool that I use in my corporate training (click here to download a copy for you to use).  It has 5 parts:

- to do, to continue doing,  to stop doing, to not do, to done (no, the last one’s not a typo) (here’s a description of each)

I thought it might be helpful to conclude this series of posts with a comment from a reader and an update on my progress.

To Do: create more space in time and more physical space

• progress? Ahh the bliss of having taken 10 boxes to Value Village the other day.  I actually have empty shelves in the play room.  My calendar has more white space as well.  I’m enjoying more unplanned, unscheduled time.

To Continue Doing: keep off the weight I’ve lost and keep my monthly dance dates

• progress?  I enjoyed lots of Christmas goodies this year but managed to keep the weight off by increasing my workouts.  Went family snowshoeing and skiing several times each.  As much work as it was to get all flotsam and jetsam out of the house (goggles, mitts, poles, boots, hats, jackets, extra socks, snacks….I swear there is invisible glue holding it to the house) it was joyful being outdoors in the frosty air.

• no monthly dance date of yet; still have to replace my dance ‘date’ who moved to Scotland.  Having said that my hubby is home from an international business trip soon.  Hmmm. Perhaps we’ll hit the dance floor this weekend.

To Stop Doing: stop finishing things

• progress?  You bet your cute buttocks baby.  I’m devouring Tim Ferris’ ‘Four Hour Work Week’ and have turned not finishing something, somethign that I decide after starting isn’t strategic or meeting my needs, into an adrenaline surging, smash on the brakes, screeching halt.  The bliss that flows from not having to finish something, from not feeling my own imposed pressure, is enlightening.

To Not Do: watch loads of TV

• progress?  I keep surprising myself by not turning to TV in the evening.  Though I wonder what’s happening on Dragon’s Den, curling up in bed with a good book is inifinitely more relaxing and rejuvenating.

To Done:

• progress?  You bet your sweet socks, I continue to be proud of having been accepted to the FWE e-series program, having done international work for the UN last year, getting back on the ski hill with my family and continuing to meet with my Goddess gals

So far so great.  I’m sure 2010 will bring the inevitable ups and downs but I’m feeling on track, focused and ready to rock and roll.  Bring it on!

Maybe now I can take the advice of a reader (confession time, none other than my hubby), to add ‘do’odle’ - the ability to avoid following my lists and let my mind wander.

Time to wander, perhaps while listening to this post’s theme music ‘Because We Can’ by Fatboy Slim (a song guaranteed to ramp up your workout by the way).

And you?  How are you doing / being with your resolutions?

Last night I listened to business owner, entrepreneur and TV star Arlene Dickinson of the Dragon’s Den at the Forum for Women Entrepreneur’s Gala Event.  Her captivating journey to entrepreneurship is made more impressive by her humble beginnings.

Years ago, being a single mom with four kids to feed made getting cash through the door a necessity.  Going it solo has been her mantra after, in her words, three failed marriages and buying out three male partners.  Only ten years ago when she went to the bank for financing to buy out said partners the banker asked where her current male partner was.  She couldn’t possibly do this on her own as a woman.

This vintage ad is from 1893

On what makes for business success, Arlene says “so much depends on who you are, your personal style, how you present  yourself, your tone”.  As someone to whom regular pitches are made for financing, she says “your brand is you”.

“You should be able to tell someone why they should passionately follow you”.

I love that – the clarity, the vision and the implied leadership.

Passion: def’n –> “barely controlled emotion”

Personal style?  Personal awareness?  Emotion?  Sounds like things women excel at.

Sounds like living on the interesting edge to me.  Sounds like Mr. Banker had it wrong 10 years ago.

We’ve come a long way… baby…. or have we?  What are your thoughts?