Why Everyone Should Do These Two Things

SWOOOOOSH. Elimination. Annihilation.

The check.
The cross off.
The scribble.

And just like that, “throw out trash” is off your list.

I get a little shiver just thinking about it. Don’t you?!

One less “to-do” on your list. There’s nothing more satisfying!

OR IS THERE? 😉

Wanna know something even more gratifying than getting stuff OFF your To-Do list?

How about getting it ON your “Done List”?

It’s one of my most fave ways to instantly give myself a little pick me up — especially on those more wearing days.

A Done List helps me appreciate everything I did accomplish and be more satisfied with my day. Which is especially helpful on those days I feel like I didn’t get valuable stuff done. You know what I mean?

Since I keep most of my lists digitally (Evernote is my best friend!) it’s easy for me to copy and paste my completed To-Do’s to my Done’s.

When you’re running around like crazy and constantly doing everything for everyone else, it’s easy to forget, or take for granted, how much you’re actually doing.

But with the “Done” list it’s awesome to see how much you accomplished over the course of a few days or a week.

Try it out and see what you think.

Another super easy and highly gratifying habit I highly recommend is recording your gratitude in some way.

It’s amazing how content you feel after thinking about some of the many things you’re grateful for.

You can easily do this with a gratitude journal (which is just a regular notebook or pad that you’ve dedicated for gratitude). Every night or morning take a minute or two to write down a few things you’re grateful for. Be specific with your gratitude.

Instead of just writing “my family,” I might write: “Vishi’s tight hug this morning” or “Great conversation with my mom.”

Something that I’m truly grateful for that day.

I can’t tell you how much my happiness level goes up with just these small moments of daily memories and appreciation.

However, I no longer use a journal because I rarely had it next to me when was ready to write. So now I use an app called “Notes To Self.” (Because my phone seems to be attached to me).

I’ve set it up to send me a reminder every evening. I love this app because there are three lines to fill out daily.

#1: Things You’re Grateful For
#2: Reflection On Something Good
#3: Random Act Of Kindness

Using this app has actually made me more mindful and intentional through my day. Knowing that I’ll be filling this out every night, makes me think during some days….where will I show kindness today?

Sometimes I have to create an opportunity. Like send a handwritten note to someone or pack an unexpected goodie for my son, which I wouldn’t have normally taken the time or energy to do.

And that gives me so much more purpose to my day, especially when it’s one of those challenging and “everything is going wrong” ones.

So those are two simple ways I make my day more content and joyful.

And here’s what I’d love to know from you:

Are you already doing either of these? If yes, how do they make you feel?
If no, I challenge you to try at least one for the rest of the week.

Let me know what think in the comments below.

These exercises are not about adding another “to-do” to your already long list.

Taking two minutes to add intention and purpose to your day adds a sense of pride, dignity and faith that can get blindsided by your go, go, go ambition.

So I encourage you to add one or both of these simplicities to your day and life,

To make what you already do — better. 

With love and appreciation,
XO,
Mridu

P.S. Want to share this message? I’d be honored! Forward this blog to your friends. Sharing my work is the nicest compliment you could possibly give me.  xo, M