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A “Done List” is what you need to see real progress

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A "Done List" is what you need to see real progress

Key things

  • Instead of keeping a to-do list, which can be overwhelming and depressing, try creating a “to-do list” to focus on accomplishments instead.
  • You can use any to-do app or stick to pen and paper to start your list.
  • Keep it positive. Include small accomplishments to remind yourself of the steps you are taking toward the life you want to live.



I’ve tried keeping a to-do list, but I can’t keep up with them for long. Managing the list seems like a task in itself. When I heard about keeping a “to do list” it sounded like a game changer!


How a to-do list beats a to-do list

To-do lists can be a little depressing. The flip side of telling us what to do is constantly reminding us what we haven’t done. When we check off an item, instead of the satisfaction that comes with accomplishing something, we’re left with just a visual idea of ​​what needs to be done next. Even sticking to a weekly to-do list overview can leave you feeling like you’re not making the progress you’d like.

“Done list” turns this concept on its head. Rather than noting what tasks lie ahead, you’ll note the ones you’ve already completed. You create a list of your accomplishments without keeping track of the tasks you’ve done yet or the ones you’ve decided to skip. This has the advantage of showing you how much you have achieved and leaving you feeling spiritually rejuvenated and ironically perhaps motivated enough to do more.


As many of us know, it’s hard to be productive when we’re feeling either down or overwhelmed. Keeping a to-do list can be part of your solution.

How to start with a ready list

Although I see an app called To Do List in the Play Store, it’s not something you need special software for. You can track your to-do list, ironically, with any to-do list app you want. If you use Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks, or Todoist, the process is the same. Create a new list and instead of adding items to do, simply add the ones you’ve already done.

You don’t even need a special app for this job. Being a heavy user of Samsung Notes, I created a note there to keep track of what I did. Honestly, you can stick to pencil and paper if that works better for you.


Tips and tricks for success

There is no one way to keep a to-do list, nor is there necessarily a right or wrong way to do it. Still, there are a few guiding principles to keep in mind.

1. Access your list of completed works

You don’t want to forget to keep up with your list. If you’re tracking achievements on your phone, you can put the app right on your home screen. It may be most helpful to have a notepad on your desk or nightstand to serve as your own visual reminder. Keeping a list can serve as a bedtime journaling habit.

2. Focus on the positive

If you’re trying to avoid eating certain foods, like sugary snacks, you have the option to write it down whenever you cave and decide to have a donut. After all, this is something you did. However, if you keep logging outages or mistakes, there’s a good chance you’ll end up discouraging yourself. Better to focus on the good and forget the bad.


3. Lower your standards

If you’re trying to get more exercise, you don’t just have to log the times you hit the gym or rolled out your yoga mat. You can note the trips you took to the mailbox or the decision to walk during a phone call instead of taking it to your desk. A list of successes can encourage you to continue making such decisions.

4. Measure success with numbers

You can further track progress by including numbers. You can say “Push-up done: 25” or “Bike for 30 minutes”. If you’re a freelancer or hourly worker, you can track your income this way with “Money Earned: $120”. That said, if you find yourself depressed that the numbers aren’t as high as you’d like, it’s better to skip them.

If you’ve been mulling over the idea of ​​a bucket list, you can pull out a piece of paper right now and jot down “I felt inspired to start a bucket list” as the first item on the list. Getting started is often the hardest part and guess what? You just hit it!

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