Which stands out more in your mind, the things you must do or the things you have already done?
When your mind is pleasantly wandering, are you more likely to daydream about your bucket list or dwell on your many accomplishments?
Test yourself with this exercise.
Draw a line a the top of the page to save room for a title. On the left side of the page, write the subtitle “Do.” On the right side, write the subtitle “Done.”
Mark off a pencil-thin column down the middle of the page, and inside that column write the letters of the alphabet.
Next to each letter, write down things you have done and things that you would like to do that begin with that letter. Put the accomplishments in the left-hand column. Put the hopes and plans on the right. Find something for every letter, even if you have to squeeze your imagination a bit to do that.
Draw or doodle on the page if you find that appropriate. Write a title at the top when you have finished. Put the date on the page as well.