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The Have-Done List
Wed, 2006-07-12 03:48 — Moira_Inori
You know how time management gurus recommend coming up with a to-do list as a way to curb procrastination? My friend came up with this idea: a have-done list. Sure, you can draw up your to-do list (although my friend suggests keeping it to just three items at first, so it won't look so daunting), but then keep a scrap of paper or better yet a notebook handy in order to record the things you HAVE done. It's like a record of accomplishments, so you don't keep feeling like a useless lump of organic material. I tried it, and I have to admit, looking over my have-done list felt better than moaning over my vaguely accusing to-do list.
My friend isn't clear, though, if I should put "sharpened all the pencils in the office" or "had three coffee breaks," but I suppose not. I think the point was that it doesn't help you if you keep seeing yourself in such a negative, generalized light ("oh, i'm a procrastinator"). And there's the list to prove it, too.
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Comments
The Have-Done List
I like this idea. I'm a law student and I often get overwhelmed by the mass of learning I still have to do. This is not helped with the pressure which is placed on us by our tutors to always do more. So hopefully by focussing on the work I have done, I will be encouraged and more confident about my progress.
I have a question - would you recommend writing the date next to each item when it has been done? Could this have any drawbacks to it?
If you need it, why not.
If you need it, why not.
pat yourself on the back
Absolutely! That's a great thing, and keeping focused on positive is it's biggest asset.
The wise metaphysical teachers say this all the time: we get what we focus on.
If we focus on our procrastination, start thinking that we are procrastinators, looking on lists of tasks that never get done, that inevitably leads to failure.
Once we start to focus on what we did, on how productive we in fact are (and we ARE!, it's just that we don't notice it much...we rather worry about what's undone), so once we move our attention in the correct direction, which is what HAVE-DONE list helps with, we are on the right way.
Thanks for the tip!
Tom
Glad to Help
And my friend's glad, too. ^_^ I'm trying to keep up the habit--have got two scraps of paper in front of me right now. I hope I can stick with it, although as you suggested I'll be focusing more on the have-done list.