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| 1 | +--- |
| 2 | +layout: post |
| 3 | +title: "Why a 'Done List' Might Be the Productivity Tool You're Missing" |
| 4 | +categories: [App, iOS, Mac, macOS, Productivity, Career] |
| 5 | +image: assets/apps/didly/didly-hero.png |
| 6 | +read_time: false |
| 7 | +featured: false |
| 8 | +date: 2025-9-3 |
| 9 | +author: Ryan Klumph |
| 10 | +--- |
| 11 | + |
| 12 | + |
| 13 | +At the end of the day, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get finished. That unchecked to-do list can make you feel like you’re falling behind, even if you got a lot done. That’s where a **“done list”** comes in. Instead of tracking what you *should* do, it keeps track of what you *actually did.* |
| 14 | + |
| 15 | +Turns out, there’s plenty of research showing this simple shift can improve focus, reduce stress, and even help you move forward in your career. |
| 16 | + |
| 17 | +--- |
| 18 | + |
| 19 | +### Why Done Lists Work |
| 20 | + |
| 21 | +- **They calm the brain** |
| 22 | + Checking something off gives your brain a sense of completion. That little “I did it” moment matters—studies show it reduces anxiety and helps you regain a sense of control ([Self.com](https://www.self.com/story/done-lists?utm_source=thatvirtualboy.com)). |
| 23 | + |
| 24 | +- **They make progress visible** |
| 25 | + During stressful times, a traditional to-do list can feel like a never-ending reminder of what’s left. A done list flips the perspective—you can see proof of what you’ve already accomplished, even if it’s something small ([Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/productivity-got-done-list?utm_source=thatvirtualboy.com)). |
| 26 | + |
| 27 | +- **They build momentum** |
| 28 | + Productivity experts point out that done lists create a feedback loop. Each recorded win—big or small—reinforces progress and makes it easier to tackle the next thing ([Inc.com](https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/how-emotionally-intelligent-people-use-done-list-to-feel-more-productive-fulfilled-accomplished.html?utm_source=thatvirtualboy.com)). |
| 29 | + |
| 30 | +- **They help with reflection** |
| 31 | + Looking back on what you’ve accomplished is motivating in itself. Chris Bailey, author of *The Productivity Project,* suggests reviewing your done list at the end of each week to spark ideas and focus for the next one ([ChrisBailey.com](https://chrisbailey.com/keep-a-weekly-accomplishments-list/?utm_source=thatvirtualboy.com)). |
| 32 | + |
| 33 | + |
| 34 | +### Why Not Just Stick With To-Dos? |
| 35 | + |
| 36 | +To-do lists aren’t the enemy—they’re useful for structure, prioritizing, and reducing mental clutter. The problem is when they’re the *only* system. They show you what’s left, not what’s working. Pairing a to-do list with a done list gives you the full picture: what needs attention *and* proof of progress. |
| 37 | + |
| 38 | +### How Didly Fits In |
| 39 | + |
| 40 | +The idea of a done list is simple, but keeping up with it consistently can be hard without the right tools. That’s where [Didly](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/done-not-a-to-do-app/id6503087781) comes in. It’s built around the value of helping you see progress clearly, stay motivated, and avoid burnout. |
| 41 | + |
| 42 | + |
| 43 | + |
| 44 | +Here’s how the platform supports that: |
| 45 | + |
| 46 | +- **Instant logging of wins** – Capture accomplishments in real time, big or small, so nothing slips through the cracks. |
| 47 | +- **Momentum tracking** – Didly builds a running record of your progress, giving you perspective that traditional to-do apps miss. |
| 48 | +- **Weekly recaps that work for you** – The app automatically charts together what you’ve finished, making reflection part of the workflow instead of another chore. |
| 49 | +- **Support for the small stuff** – Gentle prompts encourage logging everyday wins, because those add up to resilience and motivation. |
| 50 | + |
| 51 | +### Under the Hood: How Didly Is Built |
| 52 | + |
| 53 | +An Apple-exclusive, Didly is built with care for the platforms you use every day. |
| 54 | + |
| 55 | +- **Native to iOS and macOS** – Built with SwiftUI, Didly feels right at home on Apple devices. |
| 56 | +- **Syncs with Apple Reminders** – Optional integration keeps your existing ecosystem connected. |
| 57 | +- **Minimalist by design** – The interface is simple and uncluttered, so the focus stays on your progress. |
| 58 | +- **Big impact, low friction** – Every feature is designed to help you log, reflect, and move forward without slowing you down. |
| 59 | + |
| 60 | + |
| 61 | + |
| 62 | +### Why This Matters |
| 63 | + |
| 64 | +- **For your mind:** Done lists take the edge off stress and help you leave work feeling lighter. |
| 65 | +- **For your career:** Progress tracking shows you where your time really goes—and makes it easier to highlight wins during reviews or job interviews. |
| 66 | +- **For your motivation:** Seeing your track record makes starting the next task feel less daunting. |
| 67 | + |
| 68 | +--- |
| 69 | + |
| 70 | +### Final Thought |
| 71 | + |
| 72 | +Perhaps it's time to flip the script on your traditional to-do list and try focusing on your done list. Remember, you didn't do didly... you've done more than you think. |
| 73 | + |
| 74 | +👉 [Download Didly on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/done-not-a-to-do-app/id6503087781) |
| 75 | +👉 [Learn more about Didly](https://thatvirtualboy.com/didly) |
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