The Special List That Will Boost Your Confidence and Productivity
I have my mentoring clients fill out a form for each session. Many clients tell me that what they love most about the form is answering the question, “What did you accomplish in the last week?”
Why? Because many days we feel like did nothing but spin our wheels, but when we write a list of what we got done, it’s always more than we think. Nothing boosts your confidence more than feeling productive!
I was talking about this with a client today and she came up with the idea of a daily “What I Got Done” list. Instead of simply crossing things off your to-do list as you complete them, you would enter them into your special “What I Got Done” list.
I thought I’d try it today because, funnily enough, I felt like I was putting out fires all day and getting zero done. I started work at about 10:30 am, and here’s what my “What I Got Done” list looked like by the end of my day at 4 pm:
* Answered e-mails.
* Sent source bio to my editor.
* Prepared for two mentoring calls.
* Did two 45-minute mentoring calls.
* Discussed new teleclass with Diana Burrell.
* Wrote up teleclass schedule.
* Reserved space on the teleconference line.
* Wrote up copy for the Renegade Writer website teleclasses page.
* Posted on the Renegade Writer blog about the teleclass.
* Sent an e-mail about the teleclass to more than 2,000 e-mail list subscribers.
* Fielded dozens of RSVPs for the teleclass.
* Went for a half-hour brisk walk.
* Cleaned the house. (Except vacuuming — that’s hubby’s job today!)
* Scanned the Freelance Writers Den for new questions and answered a question.
* Discussed new assignment with editor via e-mail. (Yay!)
* Wrote this blog post.
Wow…I felt a lot better after writing that list. A day I thought was wasted was actually quite productive.
I invite you to add the “What I Got Done” list to your to-do list and see if it improves your mood, confidence, or productivity.
How about you…do you like to write down what you got accomplished each day? Why? [lf]
If you liked that post, you might also like:
- 6 Key Questions to Ask During Interviews
- The Renegade Writer Blog Is Now Paying for Guest Posts!
- Interested in My Writer Mentoring? New, Lower-Price Package Now Available
- We Ask, YOU Answer: Should I list copywriting creds in a query?
- Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Getting On the “Editors’ Blacklist”
Mar 22, 2012 Advice, Motivation, productivity, Self improvement
What a great idea! I often forget to give myself credit for the little accomplishments and focus on what is still left on my to-do list… so this is a perfect way to shift my mindset.
Let us know how it works for you!
I’ve done this every day for the past couple of years and frequently have the same experience you did: a day I thought was wasted turns out to have been utterly productive! It’s another good reminder that we need to recognize the difference between our feelings and reality!
Wow, you’ve done it every day? That’s impressive! I’m glad to know it works long-term.
What a great reminder! I usually do something like this 2x a year so I can see the bigger picture progress I’m making but this is also great advice for when one of ‘those’ days comes along.
I never thought about doing a bigger list less frequently. Great idea!
This is a great idea for those times when it’s demoralizing to look at a to-do list that is only partially checked off. We all do so many things every day that aren’t on a to-do list in the first place.
I agree! My list ended up being 90% things that weren’t actually on my to-do list.
[...] “Why? Because many days we feel like did nothing but spin our wheels, but when we write a list of what we got done, it’s always more than we think. Nothing boosts your confidence more than feeling productive!” The Special List that Will Boost Your Confidence and Productivity – The Renegade Writer [...]