Most of us talk a lot about our “to do” lists, but not much about our “done” lists.
But science fiction author David Levine and marketing ninja Seth Godin are known for publishing their “done” lists. (Here’s Seth’s for 2010.)
I find that a “done” list is a great baseline for creating a better “to do” list for next year. What do I wish I had done? What do I wish I had done more of? What do I wish I’d done differently?
Here’s my 2010 “done” list:
- Wrote a successful grant for the Clarion West Writers Workshop.
- Wrote my first ebook, Take Control of iPhone Basics, published as part of the Take Control ebooks series in October, and launched the blog iPhone 4 Tips.
- Appeared on two radio shows (MacVoices and Tech Night Owl) to promote the ebook.
- Rejoined the Northwest Folklife board, filling the unexpired term of the late Warren Argo, and took United Way’s training for board members.
- Wrote a website for a state government agency using “Plain Talk” standards.
- Wrote six humor columns for a membership publication.
- Wrote more than 100 blog posts, op-ed pieces, brochures, profiles and case studies for clients.
- Took fiction writing workshops taught by Ellen Klages and Mary Robinette Kowal, and submitted two stories to magazines.
- Worked as a volunteer at the Fremont Solstice Parade and conducted training for Northwest Folklife greeter/fundraisers.
Nearly every “done” on the list had a significant obstacle — from mastering new technology to dealing with difficult people — I had to overcome. In every case, the earlier and more thoughtfully I tackled the obstacle, the better the result.
A big thank you to the people who offered me the challenges, the people who mentored me through them, and the people who were there to celebrate with me when I finally crossed the finish lines.