The Ecstasy of Crossing Something Off the List
By Gretchen Rubin

Recently, my older daughter and I went to the post office to apply for her passport.

I’d been dreading this trip for days. Every task associated with it filled me with anxiety — but nothing ended up being as hard as I expected.

And as we walked out of the post office, I felt a giant surge of energy, happiness, and relief. Ah, the ecstasy of crossing something off the list! Even accomplishing the smallest task gives me a little jolt.

This is my new Secret of Adulthood:

Crossing something off the list is very cheering.

(Also: Make sure you know where to find family members’ birth certificates. I was very happy when I found that document in the proper file.)

Gretchen Rubin is the award-winning author of The Happiness Project, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Order your copy or read some sample chapters from the book. You can also watch the one-minute book video or listen to a sample of the audiobook. She is a regular contributor to Psych Central.
