That reminds me of a story my mom relayed to me a few months ago, about one of my grandnieces struggling to remove one of her socks. The first one had come off rather easily, but the second one for some reason was proving a more difficult task. When the sock finally came off, however, my grandnieces proclaimed triumphantly, “Got It!” Which I believe can be interpreted as, “Ta Da!”

Another interpretation we came up with was to focus on putting stuff on your list that would actually make you say “ta da” when you finished it. Obviously, we all have stuff we have to do that we’d rather not, but the point is to take a good hard look at making sure the stuff we’re spending our time on is worthwhile, meaningful, and invigorating.

To me the “Ta Da” List means look what I have accomplished today (whether it’s a lot or a little); not look what I still have to finish. Sometimes the work around the house or yard needs to be put on pause while we go for a motorcycle ride or out with friends!

How did you guys interpret it?

Mel, if you find the “Pause Button,” let me know. I’d like to borrow it.

Hilary,

You are too kind. I LOVE speaking to groups like yours.

I also really enjoyed the idea of the “Ta Da” list. But I had to ask — since I din’t get to at the time — what does the “ta da” list idea mean to you? Kim and I were talking about it and actually came up with two different interpretations. I’d love to hear your take.

I don’t want it.

Previous experience has taught me that this time will go by so fast. Soon he’ll be two, telling me, “I do it by myself”.

I can’t find my pause button.

Great point Tim! So many people who are working for the weekend often wish it was Friday. Wanting to speed through weeks like that leaves us with chunks of wasted moments.

Thanks for the comment! And thanks for sharing some other great ideas for making good use of idle or boring time!

Great post! I think the biggest one is “I wish it was Friday.” I remember wishing that in my previous job. Even as I said that to myself I felt that wishing away time was not a good approach. I think we need to re-think of the way we approach different challenges in our lives. You are so right that wishing away time is a bad habit and one that we need to change.