Many of us have a to-do list with all of the things we need to do. And although this can be helpful to keep track of the things we should be working on, the problem is that it can quickly grow beyond what we can actually accomplish. Everything ends up on the list, even though we don’t have time to do it all.
In situations like these, there’s another kind of list that can be of help. Instead of the traditional “to-do” list, some also utilize a “not to-do” list—a list of the things we should not be doing.
In a job situation, this may include things that take up our time, but aren’t things we ‘need’ to be doing or don’t add value to the organization. On a personal level, it may include activities or projects that take up time, but may be keeping us from focusing on the most important things.
Saying no for now—putting something on the not to-do list—doesn’t necessarily mean no forever. There may be things that get sidelined now, that get picked up down the road. Ultimately, the goal is to make space to focus on the things that matter most, whatever they may be.
Are there activities that we’re currently engage in that we need to stop doing? Are there things that we do, or are tempted to do, that are low priority, and therefore should moved onto a not to-do list in order to make space for the things that are a priority? These are the questions to consider.
A to-do list can be a helpful tool. But a not to-do list may be more so.