The Magic Of Reverse To-Do List: A Game-Changer For Daily Wins

Here’s everything you need to know about making the reverse to-do list and why it might be better than the traditional method of listing down your pending tasks.

I’ve stumbled upon a little gem that has completely transformed how I view my day-to-day life, and I’m so excited to share it with you all.

If you’re an organized person or someone who’s looking to be more organized, then you probably already know all about to-do lists.

You write down your daily tasks in the morning and then tick them off as you go.

It’s an age-old method that reduces your chances of procrastinating and inspires you to do more and more.

But as much as I love making these lists to keep track of my pending tasks, they can also be a source of stress and pressure.

Some days, all you want to do is go with the flow and do things with a presence of mind, not because you wrote it down on a notepad hours ago.

But surrendering the act of tracking your tasks doesn’t seem right either.

This is where the reverse to-do list comes in, a twist on the classic to-do list that’s all about celebrating what you’ve accomplished rather than stressing over what you need to do.

What is A Reverse To-Do List?

A reverse to-do flips the traditional approach of task management upside down.

Instead of starting your day with a daunting list of things to do, you end it by celebrating everything you’ve accomplished.

So, the list would comprise all the tasks you did during the day, every big and small achievement included.

Also known as the “done list” or the “achievement list”, it’s a powerful tool that fosters gratitude and pride in oneself.

Now, I realize that productivity-loving people would probably not get the best out of this kind of list, and that’s fine.

This method is best for those of you who struggle to tick off items on your to-do list and are tired of feeling disappointed in yourself.

Or for someone like me, who despite being good at checking off her daily list is tired of always chasing the next goal on the list. Living for your future self can be really exhausting.

The “reverse to-do list” method has been a game-changer in how I approach my daily routine.

To say that I’m less stressed and more free would be an understatement.

Let me dive into that more.

Why I Love Making Reverse To-Do Lists

Making a reverse to-do list has become a wholesome part of my night routine that I genuinely look forward to.

Here’s a tiny peek into my process, plus how it’s changed my routine life for the better.

1. I Get To Reflect On My Day

Once I’m done with my day and in bed, I pick up my daily planner and then fill it in.

I start by writing down everything I accomplished during the day, from work tasks to personal errands, and even the little things like making my bed and going for a walk.

I also add a tick box in front of all the tasks and then check them off because it’s so satisfying, lol.

While this is enough to close up the reverse to-do list, I also like to fill in the other parts of my daily planner, like the top three things I prioritized, my exercise routine, how I spent my hours, and what I ate.

This hardly takes me five minutes but it makes me more mindful about my coming day and how I want to spend it.

2. I Get To Celebrate My Daily Wins

Seeing my accomplishments on paper, no matter how small, gives me a sense of pride and fulfillment.

It’s a lovely reminder that I’m doing good in life and that if I don’t like anything, it can always be worked upon the following day.

It’s definitely a welcome reprieve from the disappointment and anxiety I used to feel while putting cross marks over my unaccomplished tasks.

3. I Am Eating Better Now

Instead of planning my meals, I jot down what I ate.

This helps me be more mindful of my food habits without the pressure of meal planning.

If I realize I ate something that didn’t sit well with me, I just make it a point to avoid eating it the next day.

Even though I’ve done fine with meal planning over the past few years, it’d turned into a drag.

I’d rather eat with intuition than with a plan. Just seems more natural and healthy for my body and mind.

How to Start Your Own Reverse To-Do List

Starting your own reverse to-do list is super easy. Here is what you need to do.

1. Choose Your Tools

It’s important to make your lists in one spot rather than picking up random notebooks and papers.

You can go for a cute notebook, a daily planner like me, or an aesthetic notepad. Whatever makes you excited to write.

For digital lovers, the good old notes app on your phone would work fine.

Related post: 15 Lists To Make To Organize Your Life

2. Set A Routine

Ideally, your bedtime is when you should be sitting down to work on your reverse to-do list, but pick whatever time suits you best.

Maybe you’d rather do it in the evening while coming back from work, or while having your tea.

Just try to make it a fixed time to give yourself that stability at the end of the day.

It’d be a good way to stay accountable while going with the flow.

3. List Every Small And Big Accomplishment

The whole point of this practice is to celebrate the small daily wins and to broaden your definition of productivity.

So, don’t worry about the size of the task.

Morning skincare, evening shower, a good breakfast, laundry, exercise, dropping the kids at school, walking your dog, reading — If you did it, write it down!

4. Don’t Forget Your Tick Marks

To double down on your sense of accomplishment, put boxes next to the tasks as you write them.

Once you are done listing everything, tick off everything one by one with a smile on your face. Feels really good.

5. Reflect And Celebrate

Before closing your notebook, take a moment to reflect on your list and celebrate your day.

Say a word of encouragement for yourself, do a mental high-five, or draw a big smiley next to your list.

You deserve to feel the joy of a day well spent.

Why It’s Good For You

Check out all the reasons why the reverse to-do list method might be a good idea for you.

1. Reduces Stress

Traditional to-do lists can sometimes feel overwhelming, with tasks piling up and deadlines looming.

But a reverse to-do list shifts the focus to what you’ve done, easing that pressure. You’ll find yourself worrying less and smiling more.

2. Boosts Motivation

Celebrating your daily wins can be incredibly motivating.

It inspires you to keep going and do even better the next day.

You’ll go to bed with a sense of accomplishment in your heart, and wake up feeling inspired to improve your life and keep doing the things that bring you joy.

You might like: 5 Magical Ways To Find Your Inspiration Again

3. Encourages Mindfulness

Planning is good for a balanced life, but if it’s all you ever do, then it can be hard to live in the moment.

Embracing reverse to-do lists will help you enjoy your life as it is now.

You know you’ll be looking at your progress at the end of the day, so you won’t slack off either.

But the freedom to live each hour the way you want to will bring you the mindfulness that so many people lack in today’s hectic world.

4. Fosters A Positive Mindset

Every little thing that you put down in your reverse to-do list will act as an ingredient for gratitude.

You’ll find yourself appreciating the simpler pleasures in life and focusing on the good.

In short, you can count on this little ritual to make you more positive and foster a ‘life is good’ mindset.

Will I Go Back to Traditional To-Do Lists?

Maybe! But that’s just because I love switching up my routines to avoid monotony.

For now, though, I am thoroughly enjoying this change and might stick with the reverse to-do list for the rest of this season.

It’s refreshing to focus on my daily victories and live in a state of flow rather than a strict structure.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do lists or just looking for a new way to appreciate your daily efforts, give the reverse to-do list a try.

It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how you view your day and yourself.

Ta-da till next time! Stay awesome.

Recommended post: How To Stop Being Busy All The Time

What do you like about the idea of making reverse to-do lists? And what about it doesn’t sound good to you? Lemme know your thoughts in the comment box.