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You know you've done it: written "Make To-Do List" on your to-do list, just so you have something to immediately cross off. Because what, honestly, is more satisfying than crossing something off the to-do list? But does a to-do list really make you more productive?  This article on Live Hack suggests that for projects of any complexity, what might actually make more sense are "Done Lists."

Part of the reason is, actually, ironically, the deep satisfaction of crossing off finish tasks. As the article puts it, "It’s too easy to get that smaller thing crossed off first... When smaller things are too easy to get done, smaller, less important things are all you will get done." And then, horror of horrors, you're not controlling the list—the list is controlling you. That's a definite to-don't.

It makes sense when you think about it: When you're in the midst of a longer, more complicated project, it's easy to get lost and lose perspective, but a done list helps you to stay focused on the long view, and to celebrate your accomplishments as you go. Personally, I will still always need a to-do list just so I don't forgot what the heck I'm supposed to do next, but I love the idea of adding a done list to, and will be sure to add "make a done list" to my to do list.  Read the article to find out more about how Done lists can help you to be more productive.

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