Done List Method
A productivity approach that focuses on tracking completed tasks and achievements rather than pending work, boosting motivation through visible progress, reducing stress, and providing concrete evidence of accomplishments for performance reviews and goal tracking.
Last updated: 2026-03-15 23:43
Overview
A Done List is where you jot down tasks you have already completed, creating a list of your achievements without making a record of tasks you have yet to do. This shifts focus from what's left undone to what you've accomplished.
Key Benefits
Motivation and Momentum
A Done List enhances productivity by shifting your focus from what's left undone to what you've accomplished, boosting motivation and providing a more balanced view of your work.
Psychological Rewards
Every time you complete a task and add it to your Done List, your brain releases a small dose of dopamine, providing a powerful intrinsic reward that reinforces the behavior of getting things done.
Progress Tracking
Seeing tangible proof of your progress can reduce stress and keep your spirits high. It provides a record of achievement especially helpful for performance reviews or goal tracking.
Reduced Overwhelm
Unlike to-do lists which can grow endlessly and feel overwhelming, Done Lists always show progress and growth.
How to Implement
Daily Recording
Set aside a few minutes each day to jot down your accomplishments.
Celebrate Small Wins
Add everything you've done to the list, which helps you celebrate every bit of progress, not just the big wins.
Weekly Reflection
Review your Done List weekly to identify patterns and recognize how much you've actually accomplished.
Monthly Analysis
Look at monthly trends to understand productivity patterns and set new goals based on demonstrated capabilities.
Notable Proponents
Marc Andreessen
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen has recommended writing all your daily accomplishments on an index card.
I Done This App
The method has gained enough popularity that there's a dedicated app called 'I Done This' designed specifically for tracking completed tasks.
Comparison to To-Do Lists
To-Do Lists
- Focus on future obligations
- Can grow endlessly
- May create anxiety
- Emphasize what's incomplete
Done Lists
- Focus on past achievements
- Always show progress
- Reduce stress
- Emphasize accomplishments
Best Practices
Be Comprehensive
Include all accomplishments, not just work tasks:
- Meetings attended
- Emails responded to
- Problems solved
- People helped
- Skills practiced
Use Specific Language
Instead of 'worked on project,' write 'completed market research for Q2 strategy'
Review Regularly
Use your Done List during:
- Weekly planning sessions
- One-on-one meetings with managers
- Performance reviews
- Moments of doubt or low motivation
Integration with Time Tracking
Done Lists pair well with time tracking by:
- Providing context for time spent
- Highlighting productive vs. unproductive time
- Creating accountability for how time was used
- Building evidence for billing or performance discussions
When to Use
- Feeling overwhelmed by lengthy to-do lists
- Needing motivation boost
- Preparing for performance reviews
- Tracking personal development
- Building confidence in capabilities
- Managing imposter syndrome
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