Overview
A Done List tracks completed tasks and accomplishments rather than focusing solely on future to-dos, providing motivational reinforcement, progress evidence, and insights into productivity patterns.
Core Concept
Complement your to-do list with a done list - recording what you've accomplished creates positive feedback loop and visible progress.
Implementation Methods
Daily Done List
- End-of-day recording
- Write down everything accomplished
- Include small wins
- Review before closing day
Running Log
- Continuous throughout day
- Add items as completed
- Real-time accomplishment tracking
- Visible momentum building
Weekly Summary
- Compile week's accomplishments
- Review Friday or Monday
- Identify patterns
- Celebrate progress
What to Include
- Completed tasks
- Progress on projects
- Problems solved
- Meetings attended
- Decisions made
- Learning and insights
- Small wins often overlooked
Benefits
Psychological
- Visible evidence of productivity
- Counters "didn't accomplish anything" feeling
- Positive reinforcement
- Increased motivation
- Reduced impostor syndrome
Practical
- Performance review material
- Time tracking basis
- Pattern identification
- Workload visibility
- Client/manager updates
Strategic
- Identify high-value activities
- Notice time drains
- Inform future planning
- Refine priorities
- Optimize workflow
Tools
Simple:
- Paper notebook
- Notes app
- Daily journal
Dedicated:
- iDoneThis
- Progress journal apps
- Day One
- Notion templates
Integrated:
- Todoist (completed tasks view)
- Things (logbook)
- OmniFocus (completed)
- Asana (completed filter)
Best Practices
- Record daily minimum
- Include variety of accomplishments
- Be specific not generic
- Review weekly
- Celebrate wins
- No accomplishment too small
Common Uses
Standup Meetings: Yesterday's done list
Status Reports: Week/month accomplishments
Performance Reviews: Compiled achievements
Personal Reflection: Progress assessment
Motivation: When feeling unproductive
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Only tracking "big" accomplishments
- Forgetting to record
- No regular review
- Comparing to others
- Using as guilt mechanism
Combination with Other Methods
Bullet Journal: Daily logs naturally capture done items
GTD: Completed actions provide satisfaction
Time Blocking: Record what filled each block
Pomodoro: Log tasks completed each session
Target Users
Anyone feeling unproductive, remote workers needing visibility, people with impostor syndrome, managers needing status updates, individuals seeking motivation
