Benefits of List Making | List Producer

4 Lists for Stress-Free Travel

April 18, 2011/8 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Travel/by Paula Rizzo

My recent trip to Chicago reminded me just how important having a list is when traveling. I know it sounds super nerdy – but doing a little homework before you leave will guarantee an easy and stress-free journey. I usually start crafting up my lists a week in advance (or more if I’m really excited about the trip!).

These are the 4 travel lists I NEVER leave home without:

1. Itinerary

This is an itemized list of everything you will do on your trip. Run through each day in your mind and visualize what you’ll be doing. Then write down a brief description or note about each event. That way you can prepare by making reservations, packing the appropriate clothes and making the most of the time you have at your destination.

Oprah Confiscated My List!

April 14, 2011/9 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Oprah/by Paula Rizzo

Chicago has great food, great people and great energy. But something very strange happened when I got to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” studio. After all my research and planning about what I might ask Oprah – the Harpo security staff confiscated my list! I know! Crazy, right?

They announced they would take our cell phones and cameras. I get that. But they also took my reporter’s notebook, my favorite mechanical pencil and my business cards! Maybe they thought I would rush the stage and ask for an autograph? Please – I’m a harmless list maker!

A few days before getting to Chicago– we were told we’d be viewing the new documentary called “I Am” by director Tom Shadyac before the show taping. We would be able to ask questions in an open-mic forum to Tom and OPRAH!!!!!! So I read as much as I could about the film on my flight from NYC to CHI. What can I say? I’ve always been an overachiever – which my husband will say is a euphemism for a nerd. Read more

A List for Visiting Oprah Winfrey

April 6, 2011/24 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Oprah/by Paula Rizzo

One of the most exciting things in my short life has happened! In just one week – I will be sitting in the audience of the Oprah Winfrey Show!!!!!! I’m sooooo excited! This moment is going to be really special for me because it’s been 18 years in the making. You see, Oprah is the reason I went into TV.

When I was just 13 years old – I was obsessed with “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and decided to write a letter to my hero. So I did. I got a response back on official “Oprah” letterhead along with an autographed photo.

Check out the letter I got back and the vintage “Oprah hair” in her picture.

5 Reasons to be a Compulsive List Maker

April 4, 2011/15 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time/by Paula Rizzo

Whether you write a to-do list, a grocery list or a list of pros and cons – the act of putting thoughts down on paper will be good for your mind, body and soul. I’m not kidding. Making a list will decrease stress, increase productivity, keep you organized and focused, and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Making a list may seem pointless at first, but investing some time into this simple task offers big returns. My beloved journalism professor Cathy Krein always told us to “keep it simple, stupid,” when critiquing our writing. She meant that in the most loving way and I think that statement can be applied to everything in life – including lists.

I’ll get to more benefits in another blog, but here are the reasons you MUST start making lists now:

1. We are forgetful

It’s true – the average adult attention span is 15-20 minutes, so we are bound to let a few tasks fall through the cracks here and there. But you don’t have to!