Advice #6: Tracking Your Life

Let’s be real. Tracking your life isn’t exactly glamorous. It’s the kind of thing that sounds impressive in theory but feels like a chore in practice. And hey, I’m not here to sugarcoat anything—you’ll probably fall off the wagon a few times. But when you do stick with it, it’s one of those things that can truly make your life smoother and give you peace of mind.

Here’s the thing: life throws curveballs. Promises get broken, details get forgotten, and suddenly, you’re scrambling for that one elusive piece of information that could save your day. That’s where these life tracking lists come in. They’re not here to make your life perfect—they’re here to make it a little easier. So, without further ado, here are some lists you should totally start keeping:


1. Customer Service Calls

Ever had a company promise you the moon, only to later act like they’ve never even seen a telescope? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s why you need a customer service tracking list.
Create a simple spreadsheet with the following columns:

  • Company Name
  • Date & Time
  • Representative’s Name
  • Case Reference Number
  • What They Promised

This way, when someone tries to pull a fast one on you, you’ve got a detailed log to back yourself up. Bonus: over time, you’ll get a pretty clear sense of which companies deserve your business and which don’t.


2. Finances

Money is like sand—you think you have a firm grip on it, but it keeps slipping through your fingers. Whether you’re trying to grow your savings, track investments, or simply figure out where all your money went last month, having a financial tracking list can do wonders.
Consider tracking:

  • Monthly income vs. expenses
  • Savings and investment accounts
  • Recurring bills (subscriptions, rent, etc.)
  • Credit card payment due dates

You don’t need to go full spreadsheet ninja—just keep it simple and relevant to your life.


3. Car Information

Your car is like a needy pet—it requires constant care and attention, and keeping track of its details can save you from future headaches.
Here’s what to include in your car list:

  • Maintenance Schedule (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.)
  • VIN Number
  • Insurance Policy Number
  • License Plate Number
  • Last Service Date

Having all this info in one place means you won’t have to dig through a pile of papers when you need it most.


4. Gifts (aka Secret Santa Intel)

This might sound silly, but trust me—this list will turn you into the gift-giving champion of your friend group.
Every time someone casually mentions something they love or have been eyeing, jot it down. Include:

  • Person’s Name
  • Gift Idea
  • Occasion (Birthday, Christmas, etc.)
  • Date You Gave It (so you don’t accidentally repeat gifts—been there, done that)

5. Books, Movies, and Shows to Check Out

Ever had someone rave about a book or show, only for you to completely forget about it later? This list solves that problem.

  • Title
  • Who Recommended It
  • Platform (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)
  • Date Added

Pro tip: add a rating column so you can track what you liked and what was, well, a waste of your time.


6. Restaurants to Try

Because who hasn’t spent 20 minutes scrolling through reviews only to end up ordering pizza again? Keep a list of restaurants you want to visit, complete with cuisine type, location, and notes on who recommended them. It’ll make those “Where should we eat?” moments a lot less painful.


7. Household Projects

If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just trying to keep your home in good shape, a list of ongoing and future household projects is gold.
Track:

  • Project Description
  • Estimated Cost
  • Completion Deadline
  • Supplies Needed

This list can keep you organized and prevent those half-finished projects from haunting you.


8. Bucket List

Whether it’s visiting a certain country, learning a new skill, or skydiving (why?), having a bucket list can keep you motivated and remind you to actually live a little.


The beauty of life tracking isn’t that it makes life perfect—it’s that it takes the chaos and turns it into something a little more manageable. Will it always be fun? Nope. Will it save you from future stress and frustration? Absolutely.

So, what are you waiting for? Start with one or two lists that resonate with you, and go from there. And hey, if you’ve got any list ideas that you think would up everyone’s game, let me know—I’m always looking for new ways to pretend I’ve got my life together.


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