My "Musts"

So last week I felt like I hit the end of my rope. I ended up going home late Saturday night and spending the weekend talking things through with my mom. During the course of the discussion we developed a list of 

My Five Musts.

This is a list of the five things I must do daily. They include:
1. Breathe
2. Eat
3. Sleep
4. Pray at least once a day
5. Read at least one verse of scripture a day

That's it. Nice and simple.

Now before you start to critique hear me out! This is my list of bare minimum, the things that must be completed.
I don't know about you but in my mind there is this lengthy list of things I "should" be doing daily. When I am unable to get those things done I get down on myself. It makes life pretty miserable when you feel you are never completing anything.

Hence my list. The first three are necessary for staying alive; the last two are necessary for keeping me connected to God. They really don't seem like much but on those days when I physically and mentally can only do so much it is nice to know there is a list that if I complete I have done enough.
Having this list for myself allows me to look back on my day with the attitude of accomplishment. If I have done my five things I completed what I set out to do. The day has been GREAT!
If there are days were I am able to do more than what is on my "Must" list that is just extra added bonus!
You made it to class today? Added bonus.
You were able to really study a couple chapters of the Book of Mormon? Added bonus!
You fed yourself today? Great! You did what you had to today! 

This is a great system for me! 

I think this is an idea each of us needs to consider for our lives. We each have a "must" list; honestly that list probably changes every few months or so. What is important to remember is that it isn't about all the "should's" but rather the "musts" that determine our success. And even then, if a day goes by and you didn't get all of your musts done that's okay, you simply have a new goal for tomorrow.