To Do... To Done!

I was recently listening to a podcast about productivity (yup, obsessed) and the speaker said "So often, we're focusing on a to-do list, we're constantly focusing on a to-do list and we just want the dopamine hit to cross it off... I would just pause and challenge yourself to not make a to-do list, but rather get to the end of the day and make a to-done list."  

You know when something resonates with you so well that you have to stop whatever you're doing and think about it for a minute. The to-done list comment was that for me (and link to the podcast at the bottom, if you want to listen yourself. Minute 42:22) She continues by saying, "So often we we make to-do lists, it's a practice of gap, of lack, because we're constantly putting ourselves here at the bottom of this list saying 'here's how far I have to go' to feel worthy, like we're accomplishing something. And we're waking and ending each day in a status of gap, of lack, so what if we just flipped it and look back on our day and say, 'here's what I did, here's what I actually accomplished.' [Typically] we get to the end of the day and we don't even know what we did, we just hustled, chased, put out fires... did we actually do anything that was effective?" 

With the challenge in mind - if we look at our to-done list (without judgement), are we being busy or are we being effective? And then use this audit going forward by asking ourselves, "if we could only accomplish 3 things today on my to-done list and what do I want to work on today and prioritize for tomorrow?" I want to add here that I think if we take a moment to be reflective, we accomplishing FAR MORE than we give ourselves credit for, if we would only take enough time to recognize that in ourselves. 

The podcast lays out ways to obviously be more productive and efficient with our time (constantly working on this personally), but instead of just focusing on the tips and tricks aspect, I really took away the fundamental aspect of where we are starting from - the mindset. The origins is one of lack, of scarcity, of shortcoming. I love how we can flip this narrative... don't write a to-do list, write a to-done list. The action in these words is different, and the origins (or etymology) of these words are interesting.

Done - past participle of do (v.). As a past-participle adjective meaning "completed, finished, performed, accomplished" from early 15c.
Do - Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to give." 

I want to feel completed, finished, performed, accomplished at the end of my day, not that I gave up all my time. That's why I LOVE how she lays out a way to entirely set the mindset in a positive way.

But because focusing solely on the etymology of words doesn't actually make things happens, we do actually have to do them (ha!), I'm going to lay out her suggestions to get to-done, as well as, put some of my own thoughts into the narrative. Read on below to get to-done! 

Create a four-part to-do list strategy for better task management and a bonus tip! 

• Non-Negotiable Tasks: Assign themes to each day of the week to ensure important tasks are not overlooked. This can also be described as repetitive tasks - what happens on specific days and how can you capitalize on keeping your headspace in the same vein so you're not mentally jumping around? An example; Mondays is housework - do all the laundry, order the groceries, book the appointments, etc. 
• Important Tasks: Prioritize tasks with the greatest impact for your day/life and allocate them to themed days (where applicable).  
• Later Tasks: Keep a list of tasks that can be done later in the week or month, and aim to complete 1-2 items each week. By consistently chipping away at these tasks, you prevent them from piling up indefinitely.
• Outsource Tasks/No's: Identify tasks that can be outsourced or declined, and establish boundaries for family time and personal productivity. Recognize the importance of saying no and outsourcing tasks that are better suited for others. Protect your time and energy to focus on what truly matters (let's flex the power of saying, 'no' as much as possible crew!).
• Utilize "Tiger Time": Identify your most productive time of day and protect it by avoiding meetings and other commitments, allowing yourself to focus on essential or important tasks.

This four (plus one) framework helps prioritize tasks, maximize time, and increase productivity so that we're getting to-done!Remember, it's not about being busy; it's about being effective. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments! - Your Coach, Erica

Podcast: https://jennakutcherblog.com/ashleyalderson/