"My notes app is overflowing with a to-do list for every scenario—I have one for the month, the week, the day, and everything in between. I love the satisfaction of crossing off tasks, and for a long time, I believed my lists were the key to staying productive and in control. But if that were true, why did they start making me feel like I was chasing a finish line that kept moving farther away? No matter how many tasks I completed, new ones always appeared. And no matter how much I accomplished in a day, if there was even one task left undone, I felt like I had fallen behind. Unfortunately, instead of feeling productive, I just felt stuck in a cycle of never doing enough.
My to-do lists weren’t motivating me, they were draining me. So, I decided to try something different: I implemented a “done list.” Almost immediately, the way I approached my days completely changed, and for the first time, I felt empowered. If you currently look at your own to-do list and feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or uninspired, listen up. It might be time to ditch the endless to-dos and try this method instead.
What is a done list?
A done list is exactly what it sounds like: everything on it is already done. Instead of starting your day with a long list of things you need to do, you begin with a blank slate and add things to it once they are finished. By the end of the day, you have an entire list of tasks you’ve completed and challenges you’ve overcome. This simple yet revolutionary shift is meant to inspire and boost your confidence. Forget experiencing guilt over what you didn’t accomplish—a done list emphasizes progress and promotes positivity.
How does a done list work?
Psychologically, our brains tend to fixate on unfinished tasks, a phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. This effect makes us feel unsettled by incomplete work, keeping our attention on what’s left undone. The done list helps break that cycle by finally allowing you to take notice of all you’ve accomplished and celebrate your wins, both big and small. I have noticed for myself that with a clearer understanding of how I spend my days, I have a better sense of what I can actually fit in, how to prioritize what matters most, and how to make more intentional plans for the future.
But you may be wondering, “How do you remember what needs to get done without your to-do list?” Having a done list doesn’t mean you’re abandoning structure altogether—rather, you’re shifting your focus. You can still track deadlines or important tasks in a planner or calendar, but instead of feeling pressured by an endless list, you let your priorities and energy guide you. As you complete tasks—planned or spontaneous—you add them to your done list, making it easier to recognize progress and plan future days more intentionally.
How to implement a done list
1. Decide where your list will live
Whether you’re a pen-and-paper gal or love the Notes app on your phone, you’ll want to choose a dedicated space for your done list. No matter what you decide, the key is to make sure it’s easily accessible throughout your day. This way, quickly jotting things down as you go is easy, which can help make it a habit. Plus, you’ll be able to look back at your days all in one place and be reminded that every step forward counts.
“Forget experiencing guilt over what you didn’t accomplish—a done list emphasizes progress and promotes positivity.”
2. Write down everything you accomplish, big or small
I don’t care if you accomplish a major work task like completing a project or you complete something seemingly small, like making your bed or taking a shower. If it’s something you’ve done, add it to the list. This helps you celebrate every bit of progress, not just the big wins. I find it energizing to jot down a win as it happens, but if you prefer to take a few minutes to write out all your wins at the end of the day, that works too!
3. Reflect on your progress
At the end of each day or week, take a moment to reflect on all you’ve done. Sometimes I journal about my progress, but other times, I simply review my done lists and acknowledge how far I’ve come. Either way, I like to ask myself these questions:
- What did I do that I can celebrate?
- How did I prioritize my time?
- How did I feel about my productivity?
- What is one thing I can do to keep this momentum going?
- What did I avoid, and why?
- Are my goals for the week or month still achievable with where I’m at right now?
4. Assess your goals
After you reflect on your progress, assess if your goals are realistic for this moment in your life. By looking at what you’ve been able to complete, you can determine whether you’re taking on too much and if it’s time to adjust your expectations. If you notice that certain tasks or projects are consistently left undone, it may signal that your current goals need to be reevaluated. This can help you stay more aligned with your energy and time.
5. Be open to incorporating a to-do list in the future
Your done list does not have to be a forever replacement for your to-do list. The two can definitely complement each other—they offer balance and structure when used in tandem! You can use your to-do list to prioritize tasks and structure your day, and use your done list for motivation and to celebrate progress.
If you notice something on your to-do list that’s been hanging around for too long, that might be a sign to take action on it or reassess why it never makes it to your done list. Remember, a done list is not an excuse to let important tasks fall through the cracks. If there are tasks on your to-do list that are tough to tackle or less enjoyable, use your done list as motivation and encouragement that you can do anything.
“Writing down all that you’ve accomplished makes you see just how capable you are.”
Why you should implement a done list
One of the main reasons I love lists is the jolt I get when I cross something off of it. That rush of satisfaction comes from the release of dopamine (the “feel-good” chemical) giving us a burst of happiness that pushes us to keep going. When you switch to a done list, you’re giving your brain even more chances to experience that feeling. Each task you write down, whether big or small, is a victory that builds momentum and keeps you motivated. But the benefits of a done list go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Here are a few other noteworthy benefits that you can expect:
It can decrease stress
By focusing on what you’ve already accomplished, you shift away from feeling like you’re constantly falling behind. You start to feel like you’re on top of things, not overwhelmed by the endless list of tasks.
It encourages self-compassion
Instead of beating yourself up over what hasn’t been done, a done list encourages you to celebrate the effort you’ve put in. It’s a reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
It can bring more balance to your days
A done list isn’t just for work tasks. It can include personal goals, self-care, and everything in between, helping you appreciate your overall success. Instead of focusing on work alone, you’ll find more balance in your day as you recognize what else is worth celebrating. Made coffee instead of buying it? Heck yes! Remembered to switch your laundry? You go, girl! Got to bed on time? That’s worth celebrating!
It is empowering
Writing down all that you’ve accomplished makes you see just how capable you are. Sometimes, a whole week or day can go by where you feel like you did “nothing,” but that’s rarely accurate. Every little thing counts, and seeing it all on paper will continue to motivate you and empower you to keep crushing your goals.
Leanna Julius, Contributing Writer
Leanna is a long-time reader turned contributing writer for The Everygirl. She specializes in wellness and lifestyle content and strives to help others be their happiest and healthiest by sharing sustainable and simple life-approved tips and tricks.