Done List Audit

Hey there 👋🏻

If you read the last newsletter, you know this week is the birthday special edition. 🎂

Yes, getting another year older as a pain pharmacist is bittersweet. I see pain, suffering, and even death on a daily basis, so I know by now how fleeting time is. And because time is fleeting, I’ve also learned to appreciate that it’s valuable. (Cheesy, I know. But when so many people are saying the same thing, maybe there’s some truth to it.)

Speaking of time being fleeting, I spent a lot of last year evaluating whether I was heading in the direction I wanted to go. But I started to lose sight of that direction when today’s world is full of posts showcasing the fun, wins, and success on social media. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re not doing enough.

Or worse, that self-destructive thought: we’re lazy.

Because of that, I spent a lot of time reading books on personal growth and development last year. One of them was Meditations for Mortals. It helped me see goal setting differently. Instead of thinking you’re lacking or falling behind, the author suggests keeping a “done list.”

You and I have heard of the to-do list. But if all we focus on is the next thing to cross off, we’ll always feel like something’s left undone. But when we flip the script and keep a done list, we get to appreciate the things we actually accomplished.

So here’s my done list from last year:

• Hit 1,500+ total followers on LinkedIn with Shelley

• Did our first podcast ever

• Started PainRx Consulting LLC

• Created a website for you to read this newsletter

• Filmed two educational videos with VuMedi

• Gave my first lecture at a university

While still caring for myself.

So if you’re feeling guilty about getting extra sleep because you think you’re supposed to function on six hours of sleep, or if you feel bad for missing a few replies to comments or messages because you’re “supposed to keep up” with everything—

Keep a done list.

You’ll be a happier and more fulfilled person.

PS: I’ve been thinking about naming this newsletter The Life as a Pain Pharmacist. What do you think?

Much love,

SP