Years back at a Goals Workshop I did I learned that making a
……….”Things I Don’t Have to Do” list
was as important as a
………..”To Do” list.
If you have never made a don’t have to do list I encourage you to do one. It is very liberating.
We all have 24 hours in a day and it is what we do with those hours that counts.
One of our team wrote an article which tells us how to work out what is important and should remain on our to do list.
Here is a little from the article by Robert Glazer “A few years ago, I was inspired by an article I read around New Year’s that suggested starting off the year with a “Stop Doing” list which I took to heart and have turned into a ritual. As part of my annual goals and planning, I create a ‘Stop Doing” list, which gets me to focus on the things I need to give up. A hectic schedule can often preclude the active reflection that creating a Stop Doing list demands, but adopting this practice has been a worthwhile investment for both my professional and personal life. As someone who doesn’t like to quit anything I start, I finally realized that to make room for the new, something had to give.”
You can read the full article on by clicking this link = READ ARTICLE
I love his line in there “In a culture that often conflates busyness for productivity, defying the urge to mistake motion for action is an ongoing battle.”
Isn’t that the truth?
Being busy does not necessarily mean being productive.
I wish you a productive day and year.
Have an amazing day!
Namaste
Sue
Di Downie says
I never used to have a No list
That never even entered my head
Everything was a YES
Now I know whats important and there are things that are a definite NO.
I think of my No’s as my boundaries and what I will let in and what I won’t let in.
I kinda think a bit different about how I want to spend my time
Di
Sue Price says
I used to be just like you Di. Just adding to YES always. I am glad you found what works for you and yes it is about boundaries. Thanks for your comment Di.
Hammond Prag says
Namaste…..WOW I never thought that. What a reverse approach to doing a list. Awesome post and valuable content. Thanks for sharing this.
Sue Price says
It is something I do not think most people have heard of Hammond and it is a reverse approach. Thank you for your comment.
Danny Yoon says
Thanks for sharing this awesome article Sue when your time is more valuable when setting up your own do-to-list! Thanks!!!
Sue Price says
We really need to work out where our time is best spent. Thanks for your comment Danny.
Lynn Brown says
It really is a great way to stay focused, saying yes to no. Appreciate you sharing this Sue as it is a great reminder to not let those things that don’t matter get in our way and stay committed to the to do list!
Sue Price says
I think too many of us say yes to unnecessary things Lynn so letting some things go can make our life more productive and Simpler. Thanks for your comment Lynn.
irene franzese says
Great idea Sue. Never thought about making a list for things I shouldn’t do. Thanks for sharing…
Sue Price says
I would never have thought of it either Irene until I did it in a workshop. Thanks for your comment.
Kristine Christiansen says
Love this post Sue! What a great idea:) I am with Hammond, I would have never thought to do a list with the things you don’t have to do. As a single mom working a full-time job and building a business, this is definitely something I’ll start implementing. I also love what Robert said, ““In a culture that often conflates busyness for productivity, defying the urge to mistake motion for action is an ongoing battle.” Thanks for this one!
Sue Price says
I think you are with most people Kristine and would not have thought to do a no list. For sure in your very busy situation this is a very good thing to do. I love that line too and I sure have been guilty of being busy rather than productive. Thanks for your comment Kristine.
LuAnn says
wow awesome post and analogy saying Yes to No… great post and thanks for sharing the post from Robert Glazer really cool.
Sue Price says
Thanks LuAnn I loved that post from Robert and it is something we all need to take on board or we hit overwhelm.
Earl Hackett says
Sue great ideas. Sticking to a long term plan takes work and a detailed plan. In fact it takes dedication to resist all the distractions.
Sue Price says
I agree Earl resitting all the distractions does take dedication and disciple. Thanks for your comment.
Daphne Dobson says
Thanks for this great post Sue!
Awesome title and blog post.
I love # 3 in the article you shared about saying
“NO” to energy drain. A lot of time we can be busy
but not productive. Thank you!
Sue Price says
I am happy you enjoyed the post Daphne. I too love #3 as that can be a drain as well as a waste of our time. Thank you for your comment.
Peter Beckenham says
Hello Sue,
Nice to visit with you again.
What an interesting way of getting things done.
I’ve never thought about a “don’t have to do list” – it sure does open up some refreshing ways of planning our days.
Thanks a million for that simple yet extremely practical tip.
By the way loved the distinction you made between “motion” and “action” – very clever.
Best wishes from a remote Thai village marketer
Peter
Sue Price says
Hi Peter,
It is an interesting concept and one I do use now. I used to just add to my “to do” list which of course does not work.
I hope you have started the year well and I are enjoying your village in Thailand.
Thanks for visiting me and for your comment Peter.
Sue
LT Turner Jr says
Thanks so much Sue for sharing this. I had never heard of this stop doing list…amazing concept. Thank you. 🙂
Sue Price says
It is a great concept LT or we just keep adding to a to do list. I hope you try it and thanks for your comment here.
Sheena Yap Chan says
this is such great advice to follow. saying yes to everything is not productive for sure
Sue Price says
Spot on Sheena it sure is not productive. Thank you for your comment.
Helen Lingard says
Powerful BLog Sue – something I will have to study more in detail, thank you
Sue Price says
Thanks Helen and it is a great thing to do. 🙂