How To Use a ‘Ta-Da List’, Alongside Your To-Do List

I have struggled with to-do lists for my entire life. They are responsible for overwhelm, stress and a reminder that I never seem to have enough time. So, slowly over the years, I started changing the way I create a to-do list by complimenting it with a ‘ta-da’ list.

Now, I didn’t refer to it as a ‘ta-da list’ when I started, but when I read Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Happiness Project where she mentions a ta-da list – I thought “Ah! That’s what I’ve been doing all these years!’

So, What Exactly is a ‘Ta Da List’?

Essentially it’s a list you write on all the things you’ve accomplished – things you have completed.

I personally like to write a daily ta-da list, but you could also write a weekly or monthly list – it’s your choice.

So instead of looking at a massive to-do list thinking ‘how will I ever get this finished’, you just keep adding to your TA-DA list – each time in your mind saying TA DAaaaaa! (Just like our minion friends below… 🙂

What I like to do is write a to-do list for the week – all of the must have things I need to do.

Then I write a ta-da list for each day of the week.

For example here are some things I wrote on my work to do list this week:

• Monthly website reports
• Client A blog post & pins
• Client A YouTube thumbnail + schedule video
• Client A Podcast episode
• Write blog post (website A)
• Send email to list (website A)
• Create weekly pins
• Write blog post (website B)
• Send email to list (website B)
• Create YouTube account and profile
• Upload the YT first video
• Etc

Now, here’s what the TA DA List could include…

Monday

• Monthly report A
• Monthly report B
• Design and upload weekly pins
• Start client A’s post – written, formatted + SEO
• Made a doctor’s appt.
• Renewed license
• Made dinner

Tuesday

• Complete client A post + schedule
• Client A YouTube thumbnail + schedule video
• Client A Podcast episode
• YouTube profile set up

As you can see above I added things to my ta-da list that were in the original to-do list above, plus I added other things I completed. This way I feel accomplished and it shows me exactly what I finished.

Then at the end of the week, I look back and see everything I have done.

The Benefits of a Ta-Da List

If you’re anything like me, you may get to the end of the week and feel like you haven’t accomplished much. So, using a ta-da list will show you that in fact you have moved the needle.

This list helps you:

• Feel more accomplished
• See that you are moving toward your goals
• Keep track of your productivity – actual evidence that you are making progress each day.
• Stay positive and focused

5 Tips to Start Your Ta-Da List

1. Try Different Durations

Daily, weekly, monthly (as mentioned above I personally like daily, but if you’re starting out I recommend daily or weekly)

2. Add ‘Progress’ Items to Your List

You may not have completed the entire to-do item, but you completed a portion of it – so add that in.

3. Have Different Ta-Da Lists

If you want to keep your work and personal ta-da’s separate I recommend creating two different lists.

For your personal list you can include things like:

• The healthy dinner you made
• Cleaning the bathroom
• Researching places for a summer vacation
• Bringing a packed lunch to work
• (Basically anything you’d put on a personal to-do list can go on your ta-da list)

You work list can include:

• Progress made on a project
• Daily tasks such as answering emails
• Meetings completed
• Follow up emails from those meetings
• etc

4. Make it Fun

If you like to be creative add this to your list. You can use colored pens, stickers, or a pretty notebook.

5. Enjoy the Process

If you feel overwhelmed by what you haven’t done this week, take time to look at your ta da list and reflect on what you have accomplished.

Final Thoughts

If you like making lists like I do, but your typical to-do list doesn’t always suit you, consider adding a ta-da list to the mix. 

It’s a fun and super simple way to go from feeling unproductive and overwhelmed to feeling like a proficient, task-completing ninja!

Here’s to adding more ta-da’s to your day!

Related List-Making Resources:

• 200 Lists To Make To Boost Your Mood & Get Organized
• Monthly Checklist To Simplify Life + Free Printable
• How To Create A Self-Care Checklist + Free Printables