The done list

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Closer · 3 min

The done list

To-do lists hold our attention on what remains, so for one minute we will notice what is already done today.

Count ordinary things, including arriving, asking a question, staying with something difficult or helping another person.

Choose three items and keep the list private, recognising the effort behind each one.

Take the list with you as you leave, alongside anything that still needs your attention.

Recipes for Wellbeing · CC BY-NC 4.0

Illustration by RecipesforWellbeing.org, CC BY-NC 4.0

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To-do lists hold our attention on what remains, so for one minute we will notice what is already done today.

Count ordinary things, including arriving, asking a question, staying with something difficult or helping another person.

Choose three items and keep the list private, recognising the effort behind each one.

Take the list with you as you leave, alongside anything that still needs your attention.

That’s the practice.

Listen for Some students may struggle to find three, so offer "I showed up" as a first item and allow a shorter list.

The skill of ordinariness. The art of embracing the beauty and contentment found in the everyday, celebrating the extraordinary nature of being comfortably ordinary.

What ordinary, everyday moments bring you joy and contentment, and how might embracing your ordinariness support your work?

Try the interactive practice on this skill

To-do lists hold our attention on what remains, so we will spend one minute noticing what has already been done.

Count ordinary things from this week, including turning up, asking a question, staying with something difficult or helping a colleague.

Choose three items and keep the list private, recognising the effort behind each one.

Carry the list with you, alongside everything that still needs your attention.

That’s the practice.

Watch for anyone who goes very still, tearful or far away. Do not single them out. Offer a break, or speak to them quietly afterwards.

The skill of ordinariness. The art of embracing the beauty and contentment found in the everyday, celebrating the extraordinary nature of being comfortably ordinary.

What ordinary, everyday moments bring you joy and contentment, and how might embracing your ordinariness support your work?

Try the interactive practice on this skill

Safeguarding

Nothing here asks a young person to share something painful, or to perform being well. Taking part silently is taking part.

“Pass” is always allowed. If something a young person says gives you concern, follow your setting’s usual safeguarding route. This is not yours to carry alone.

Care and safety

Nothing here asks anyone to share something painful or to look well. Taking part silently is taking part, and passing is always allowed.

If someone is struggling, follow the care route your group agreed in its first session. This is not yours to carry alone.

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The skill of ordinariness

The art of embracing the beauty and contentment found in the everyday, celebrating the extraordinary nature of being comfortably ordinary.

Hear this skill read aloud

Read the whole post Try the interactive practice Reflect on this skill for yourself

Adapting it

Ages 13 to 15: Start with a shared done list and an ordinary example from the school day before students make their own.
Ages 16 to 18: Suggest keeping the list somewhere visible, so finished effort is not lost beside everything that remains.