[Story] Instead of focusing on to do lists, start writing to done lists.

I recently realized I have a habit that quietly destroys my motivation. Whenever I finish something, I immediately tell myself it was nothing. I dismiss every bit of effort I put in, and over time this made me believe I never grow or change at all.

A few months ago I went on a spontaneous 25 kilometer hike. We walked for eight hours. My friend was thrilled afterward and felt proud of us. I, on the other hand, told myself that because I didn’t collapse, it didn’t count as anything impressive. That reaction showed up in many other moments too, and eventually I understood this wasn’t humility. It was self sabotage.

If I only acknowledge effort when I’m suffering, I’ll never feel proud of myself. If I only count growth when it’s dramatic, I’ll never notice the quieter improvements. If I only call something an accomplishment when it’s extraordinary, I’ll always feel like I’ve done nothing with my life.

This mindset makes me afraid to start new things. I look at every challenge and assume it will be too hard for someone like me. I became the first person to tell myself I couldn’t do it.

So I decided to start keeping a to-done list. A simple record of the moments when I actually did something worthwhile, even if it didn’t feel huge at the time.

I watched repair tutorials and learned basic appliance fixing.

I repaired my air conditioner and washing machine.

I bought sealant and fixed the loose glass strip on my door.

I repaired the skirting board that had been falling off forever.

I started putting things back where they belong, and my home became cleaner.

I tried the TikTok slash free event and actually received a small desk lamp.

I lost more than ten kilograms over the past year.

I cycled thirty kilometers in one session.

I completed a twenty five kilometer hike and felt my endurance improve for real.

Writing all of this down made me feel different. It made me see that I do grow, just not loudly. It made me realize I deserve to be the first person to applaud my own progress.

I’m going to keep writing my to-done list. I don’t want to erase my effort anymore.

If you feel the same way, maybe this is your reminder that your progress counts, even when you don’t give yourself credit for it.