A done-list; it's not a to-do list.

I have recently come to the realisation that to-do lists are the status-quo. All my life people have been encouraging me to use them.

Problem: I have always rejected the idea of a to-do list.

To-do lists are like an urban legend; write down all the stuff you want to do and you will magically become more organised, more productive and more motivated.

I don’t deny that to-do lists work for some people. The most tangible benefit that I can see is the structure they create around a person’s day.

In attempt not to deny myself of this obvious benefit I have tried many times to keep a to-do list; in spite of this I cannot escape the feeling I get when I see one; which is kind of like seeing capital letters in a text message; a to-do list makes me feel like someone is YELLING AT ME, TELLING ME TO DO STUFF.

So, what is the alternative? I have started keeping a done-list.

Forget writing down a list of the things to-do; which, apart from being overwhelming, can bring about the feeling of under-accomplishment if not complete at the end of the specified time period.

Done-lists are completely different; writing things down are attached to the feeling of achievement and satisfaction. They are also more efficient; instead of writing a list and going back to it later to cross things off, you only have to write things down once; when they’re done!

Rather than compiling a list of New Year’s resolutions; keep a done list of accomplishments throughout the year. I’m tipping that the end of 2010 will be a lot more about celebrating achievements.