As we move closer toward tomorrow, remember change is always welcome because, my opinion is, it’s better to change it yourself before it can change on you.

What am I talking about, exactly? That’s for you to answer on your own. I bet you already have one thing in mind that you feel needs a changin’. Well change now because procrastination is a synonym of problem. Interview? Schedule now. Resume help? Go get some.Weight loss? Run, chubs, run.

More blog? Come back next week.

This summer my goal, beside finding a part-time job, is to have my portfolio/resume/cover letter mostly completed and ready for send-off to potential employers when those exciting career fairs come calling this fall.

I’ve been working on all the things I need to do to prepare me for the “send-off,” as I like to call it, and well, I’ve realized one thing: To-do lists are still a must.

I thrive off to-do lists and have since I was 10 years old. I absolutely love, love them, but this isn’t a love letter to to-do lists, so I’ll move on.

They keep me organized and on-track for everything that needs to or should be done that week/month/year or even lifetime. And I still prefer pen-to-paper over any Blackberry, any day. And I know I’m not the only one — it was my favorite thing to do in statistics class, look at the two girls on my right in hopes to catch the last page of notes, just to see them making to-do lists.  Ah, success! I guess I’m not crazy and there are others who still consider list-making to be a pastime in our most-bored of moments. But the lists don’t always help …

Sometimes I notice at the end of the day, I’ve only completed  one of my 6,758,001 tasks. This tells me I need to narrow it down: What’s really important, and what do I really have time for in the next, short 24-hours? Through my many years of list making, I’ve realized that helpful tip and more. So, here is a Top-Ten List so to speak of ten great ways to actually do what’s on that to-do list. Oh, and please, make fun of it all you want, in fact, you can even put it on your to-do list, if you please.

10. Timeline: Just as in any business venture, a timeline is vital to the success of the project. If you need it done today, put it at the top of your list with a time you hope to complete the project. If something else comes up at that time, well too bad .. you have an appointment.

9. Short ‘n’ sweet. Too long = too long. Narrow it down, baby.

8. Really? Are these tasks really something you can get done in one day? Please don’t put, 1. Sell house, 2. Move to Virginia, 3. Meet the Pope. Really? Cuz’ I’m pretty sure it’s just a Monday.

7. Pact that! Let others know about your list. You’re more prone to let yourself down if no one else knows, or is affected by it!

6. Oops. I decided 10 tips for a to-do list is too many. Five will be the new number one.

5. Yes! Reward yourself to a job well-done. If you go a week with doing everything on your to-do list, do something for you — without a to-do list. You owe yourself one!

4. Really? Do you think I could stop at five? Ha.

3. Pretty in Pink … Blue … Hagan-Daz brown? Buy yourself a notebook especially for your to-do lists. Make it handy enough to fit in your suitcase, backpack or purse, and make sure you love it. Be proud to pull out that lil’ planner, and get your escrito on!

2. The more you make the more you know. The more lists I’ve made, the more I’ve realized just how much I’m really capable of getting done, and how much time 30 minutes really gives me. Sorry, no one is Superperson — not even on paper.

1. Dust yourself off. OK, missed a that undeniable feeling of satisfaction from that last check? Try again tomorrow, and remember: Why put off today when it can be done tomorrow … or is it the other way around?

**Please note: this is expert advice from an expert. And In case you’re wondering, yes, I actually get things done off my to-do lists, I don’t just make them to make them. This blog post? Oh yeah, big, fat check. See you then.

I’d like to share my job-hunting fiascoes/successes with you, as well as my thoughts and feelings on joining the quote-unquote real world. It’s going to be a heck of a good time, so stick around. I welcome feedback, conversation, tips and wake-up calls. You might not learn anything, but I promise I won’t fill you with stupid. I pledge to post an updated/new blog about once a week. See you then!