Done List - Check it off!

The To Do List

If you're like me, to do lists pop up everywhere. I have a running list for work, for family, and for my home. And yet, nothing seems to get done. I use lists as a tool to keep things out of my mind. Instead of holding everything in my head, paper serves as a reminder, a safe space. For areas like work, where I'm directly held accountable if the list wasn't complete, that works great. The list reminds me of what I need to do, and can be organized based on priority. I use Google Keep because it can sync between my home computer, work computer, and even cell phone. 

Zero Accountability 

However, in areas like my home, where the dishes can always wait, I struggle to check off anything. I walk about the house and notice everything that needs done - dishes, laundry, clean the bathrooms, etc. All that I notice gets jotted down into my notebook that I use for everything. I'll see it all the time. For me, the problem with housework is that there isn't as much accountability. I don't need to do the dishes because there are more in the cabinet. The laundry can wait because, I still have underwear. So every time I see my home to do list, I don't get up and go do it. I just feel bad for not having it all done. "Dishes are a mess," I chastise myself, "why don't you do them!" 

Celebrate - Mark it as DONE

To counteract this nasty self-talk, I started not writing things down. I would pass by the dishes and think, "Have to get those done, better put it on the list." But I wouldn't allow myself to make a list. It had to float around in my mind, and re-appear every time I walked into the kitchen. Worried I would forget to do them, I would do them right away (or at least a lot sooner than I would have). It became a reward to write down what was already done in my notebook every time. Now this doesn't work for everything, and I still find myself making mental lists. However, when I start making a done list for the day, I find I enjoy getting everything done and adding it to the list. Now, I try to work on a done list at least once a week. 

Looking back on the "Done List" below, it is really rewarding seeing that I am capable. When I start to make a new list, I find there is much more on the list than a to do list, much more to celebrate. For example, I wouldn't put fold socks on a to do list. I would write fold laundry. When I began to fold the laundry, I might set the socks on the side. It would still stay on my list, unchecked, and I would yell at myself for not getting it all done. With a done list, I list every small piece of housework that I did, especially when I didn't want to do it. Leaves you with a great feeling of accomplishment.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. If you can't get something done, that is okay. Forgive yourself and allow for mistakes and grace. And if the done list doesn't work for you, move along and find what does. Let me know in the comments if you give it a try. 

Best of luck!