The Done List (Chronic Illness Edition)

 

What is a done list?

The first time I came across the concept of a done list was on Twitter:

 

I could use a “have done” list right now. Small steps are so easy to ignore. https://t.co/ENjToBZH5x

— Vanessa Smith (@normal_ness) March 1, 2022

Image description:
Me saying “I could use a “have done” list right now. Small steps are so easy to ignore.”

I am quoting a tweet by Emilie Wapnick that says:

“Imagine if, twelve months from now, you didn’t have to try to acknowledge your successes. You can get there by putting in a little effort ahead of time, and making a habit of celebrating wins big and small.” and links to a post on their blog.

 

How a done list helps chronic illness

I often feel like I get nothing done. Some weeks I don’t get anything done. A longer term need I have identified is to remove myself from the need to assess my value by my productivity, but it is so deeply ingrained I’m not going to pretend it will happen a) successfully or b) any time soon.

 

Having a done list that I can look back on reassures me that I am taking steps. They may be small steps, they make take eons to snowball into what I want them to be, but I am taking steps.

 

I use them for my videos, blog posts, Substack and lots of other things, to view my work in the context of chronic illness. But you could also use the done list directly FOR your chronic illness. As a way to track things, to notice that you’re managing changes… or whatever is relevant for you.

 

I definitely go through phases with my done list – I might forget it for a few weeks and then use it daily for a few weeks. But overall, it does help me feel like I’m taking steps towards things I want to do.

 

If you like my posts, consider supporting me.