My To Do List Vs My Done List

Many people have a To Do List – like 50 things to do before I turn 50. I love reading these inspirational lists and often come up with my own. But when I don’t manage to tick off those things on my dream list, it can be as dampening as a failed resolution. I have yet to have any of my New Year’s resolutions materialize. And I always start off the year so pumped up. This time I decided to think small. I told myself, make the list simpler and not so lofty. Just all those niggling things that have been on the back of my mind. Those things you’ve been meaning to do, but always get side-tracked by something more fun – like surfing the internet.

Also I told myself I’d do things a bit differently and do a Done list as well to boost my confidence and just revel at the things I’ve done instead. As I get older I have so many new fears emerging, that I am glad there are some things I know and can have the immediate sensation of ticking off.

Somehow the To-Do List always seems longer than the Done List and a lot of the items need to be done on a daily basis, so they can never be checked off. That’s the frustrating bit. I wish those things could become a habit like how I brush my teeth after meals. Some of the things on the Done List may be silly, but they do make me happier. Would love to hear about what’s on your Lists.

To-Do List

1. Floss
2. Spruce up Resume
3. De-clutter (get rid of non-sentimental things that are just occupying space)
4. Organize (so that I know where everything is and don’t need to hunt for stuff or buy stuff I already have)
5. Eat more fruit, especially berries
6. Walk more (10,000 steps daily)
7. Watch a movie alone and enjoy it
8. Look out for jobs I would love that are related to writing or creativity
9. Meet my friends for tea
10. Eat more vegetables
11. Have more nuts
12. Reduce pure sugar intake (this is the hardest by far)
13. Reduce simple carb intake
14. Do a home facial
15. Research and find a good dentist in Singapore
16. Visit the dentist (I have no cavities, but am dreading this)
17. Have oats as brunch (I can’t seem to do breakfast)
18. Send out traditional snail mail
19. Write full length articles
20. Pitch articles to magazines (Fear of failing has held me back. I think I should just expect to fail and tell myself failing is ok, because it means that I tried)
21. Rest my eyes – reduce and control internet usage
22. Really listen to people and stop multi-tasking (I am guilty of talking to my partner on the telephone while surfing the net and he often tells me he told me something, but I claim he didn’t. This one I have to admit to because I think I may have been distracted by what was on the screen! Anyone else guilty of this one?)
23. Listen to music (Lately I have been reveling in silence)

Things I am doing

1. Drinking more water than I used to (place a bottle next to my computer)
2. Blogging (love it)
3. Reading (love it)
4. Journalling (love it)

Things I’ve done this year

1. Quit Facebook
2. Start a WordPress Blog (at first it seemed complicated, but in the end it was a cinch)
3. Sort of Quit TV (Streamlined to just a few good TV shows minus commercials e.g. The Tudors)
4. Got batteries for my Pedometer (found out it’s super hard to get to 10,000 steps)
5. Tried out the new circle line (yellow MRT line)
6. Learnt how to export photos to a smaller size for blog
7. Travelled to Bintan, Kerala and Osaka

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
This entry was posted in Midlife Musings and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

13 Responses to My To Do List Vs My Done List

  1. jazziefizzle says:

    I have been thinking about putting together a to-do list for the next year. Just small but fun things that will force me to branch out a little. I think it is a bit nicer to do it on your birthday, and then each year you can reflect upon the one just passed.

    New years resolutions for me are all about eating healthy, exercising more, flossing, all those things that we just should do every day of the year.

  2. thinkpinktoo says:

    ooooo….. send me snail mail!!!!! 🙂

  3. I hate making lists because then if and when I don’t do them, I feel like beating myself up!
    Good luck with yours and keep us posted on the things you’ve crossed off your list!

  4. 365days2play says:

    Try Steel Cut oats…they taste quite nice with raisins and nuts.

  5. Hey BJ,

    I enjoyed reading your lists. I too enjoy making lists. I like your idea of making a done list. My motto is if it’s on my list I’ll get it done. I enjoy writing the list and crossing off the items.

    For the home facial, you’ll enjoy Michelle Phan on you tube. She has great music, is simple down to earth and lovely. She has some nice homemade facials with things you can use from your kitchen!

    Have a great day.

    Julie

  6. harlsmits says:

    I have most of those things on my to do list as well. In regards to No. 18, I am part of the Letter Writers’ Alliance, people who appreciate the art of ‘snail mail’ letter writing. Here’s the link:
    http://16sparrows.typepad.com/letterwritersalliance/
    It’s based in the United States, but you might want to look into it. Also, I’d love to write to you snail mail! We could be pen pals! If you’re interested let me know and I can give you my address or you could give me yours offline.

Leave a Reply to bookjunkie Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.