Listening to Jesus - Foundations
Appendix

Personal Organization

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When God gives you an assignment, it’s essential to carry it out.

One of the most practical steps you can take in faithfully following Jesus is to write down what he reveals to you. Whether it’s a prompting, an assignment, or an insight, don’t rely on memory alone. Record it immediately in a system you trust—somewhere you know you’ll see it again.

This practice helps:

  • Free your mind from trying to remember everything

  • Stay present in the moment

  • Increase follow-through on what the Spirit has shown you

My Personal Organization System: 7 Core Lists

This simple framework helps keep your life aligned with God’s guidance and your responsibilities. Enter each new item into one of the following digital or physical lists that you keep:

  • Calendar – for anything tied to a specific date or time

  • Next Actions – for the very next thing you can do, as soon as time allows

  • Someday/Maybe – for things you might want to do later, but not now

  • Projects – a list (no detail) of anything requiring more than two steps

  • Project Plans – outlines of the specific steps to complete a project

  • Project Files – a place to store plans, notes, and materials for each project

  • Waiting For – for tasks that are pending a response from someone else

When You Receive a New Task or Idea

  1. If it’s a simple action, place it in:

    • Calendar – if it’s time- or date-specific

    • Next Actions – if it’s actionable now

    • Someday/Maybe – if it’s for possible future consideration

2. If it’s a project (i.e., it has multiple steps), do the following:

    • Add the Project Name to your Projects list

    • Create a Project Plan outlining the key steps

    • Create a Project File to hold the plan and any supporting info

    • Add the first step from the plan to Next Actions, then delete the original task from your “Projects Plans.”

    • Tip: Use action verbs like “call,” “buy,” “schedule,” “read,” or “write” in both Next Actions and Project Plans. These action words keep your mind focused on what specifically needs to be done.

Handling Incomplete Tasks

If you've started a task but are waiting on someone else before you can move forward, move it to the Waiting For list so you don’t forget it.

Choosing What to Work on Next

When you have time to tackle your Next Actions, ask yourself:

  1. Context – Do I have what I need to do this now (tools, location, information)?

  2. Time – Do I have enough time to complete it or make real progress?

  3. Energy – Am I mentally and physically able to do this right now?

  4. Priority – Of the remaining options, which is most important?

Maintaining the System

  • Add new items daily, especially after your daily tSOAR time, when God may reveal new insights or assignments.

  • Review your lists weekly. Create a repeating Calendar task (e.g., every Sunday afternoon) to go over your seven lists.

  • Reflect on your notes from the past week’s tSOAR time to ensure you didn’t miss anything.

  • This weekly rhythm helps you stay aligned, focused, and at peace, knowing you’re not overlooking anything the Lord gives you.

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

—Proverbs 16:3