“That’s Done”

Have you ever gotten towards the evening and wondered what you’ve accomplished that day? I’ve found myself doing this. It’s uncomfortable. Sometimes it feels like we haven’t accomplished much at all and that leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

I think it might hold especially true for those of us with Myasthenia Gravis or other condition that limits our abilities. When you’re fatigued, it’s hard to get much done. We’re a species that tends to focus on accomplishments. Thinking about not accomplishing much can lead us into a downward mental spiral that can lead to depression.

When I find myself doing this, I realize I’m looking at the glass as half empty. It dawns on me that I’m not giving myself enough credit for all the things I’ve actually accomplished. Most of those may be minor, or even insignificant, but it took effort to complete them. Why shouldn’t I count them?

For example, already this morning, I woke up, I said prayers, I got out of bed, I let the dogs out, I brushed my teeth, I made myself some toast and coffee, I took my medicines, I read my devotions, I browsed the news on the internet, and not I’m sitting down to write this blog. That’s quite a lot, when you think about it.

I discovered that when I acknowledge each step by saying the two simple words, “That’s done”, I feel the accomplishments that much more. Granted, most of these are insignificant accomplishments, but each took effort and should be recognized. Before too long in my day, I’ve convinced myself I’ve accomplished quite a lot.

Let’s look at that example again of how my morning has gone. I woke up; that’s done. I said prayers; that’s done. I got out of bed; that’s done. I let the dogs out; that’s done. I brushed my teeth; that’s done. I made myself some toast and coffee; that’s done. I took my medicines; that’s done. I read my devotions; that’s done. I browsed the news on the internet; that’s done. Soon I’ll be able to add a “That’s done” to writing this blog.

When I look at accomplishments from this angle, it’s impossible to get down about not accomplishing much. Instead, I become amazed at all the things I actually do in a day. I realize I’m not giving myself enough credit. Even on days when I’m especially fatigued, I accomplish things. Recognizing my accomplishments helps strengthen me and avoid getting down. It also helps motivate me to do more. It’s kind of nice to get a little reward of “That’s done” when I’ve finished something.

If you ever find yourself feeling like you’re not accomplishing enough, try my “That’s done” technique. I think you’ll be truly amazed at how much you actually do.

“That’s done!”