Does your To-Do List just keep growing, no matter how much you check off? Of course! Work never ends. And although crossing out tasks is fun, those lists drive you crazy.
But what would happen if you do the reverse and make a “To-Don’t” list?
I tried it.
And I like it so much that I cannot but share my experience here.
What is even a To-Don’t List?
A To-Don’t List is exactly what it sounds like: a list of things you decide to not do. Instead of taking on more, create a “To Don’t List” to cut out draining tasks.
I want to make two things clear here:
- Things on your To-Don’t list can be tasks and activities, like checking social media every ten minutes.
- Making a To-Don’t list can be useful for your job, household chores, and hobbies.
To do or don’t? That’s the question
In all cases, creating such lists can turn the tables overnight.
In your office and at home.
Why even make a To-Don’t List?
The biggest perk of a To-Don’t list is that it can free up your time and give you more energy.
Imagine what your day would look like if you stopped doing the things you don’t like.
Multiply that with 3 (work, home, leisure) and you are now probably eager to create such a list…
How to create the perfect To-Don’t list?
The fastest and easiest way to make a To-Don’t List is by using a pen, paper, and your brain. Gathered them all? Then follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Write down all time-wasters
Write all your activities that feel like a total waste of time to you. Just go with the flow. Your mission is to get the full picture of activities at work and home.
Step 2: Select low-impact tasks
Go through your list and ask: “What will be the impact if I stop doing this?”
If the impact is low, put the task on your To Don’t list. But don’t stop there.
Step 3: List you super heroes
You have now a list of tasks you still have to do (against your will). But maybe, somebody else can do them for you? Write that person’s name next to the task.
Step 4: Discuss your delegate list
Nobody will blindly agree to take over your duties. So discuss it with your heroes.
Step 5: Hang it on the wall
Giving up on tasks and activities is easy in theory. To not forget them, hang them on a place where you can see them.
Step 6: Rinse and repeat
Extra duties, tasks, activities will show up. Your priorities can change. And that’s why need to review your To-Don’t list periodically.
That’s it.
Creating the list is the easy part. Sticking to it can be challenging…
4 pro tips to make a To-Don’t list
When I created my first To-Don’t list, I thought I was done.
But as with all the lazy hacks and strategies I have tried, I had to fine-tune this one too.
Tip #1: Think of an alternative activity
You cannot avoid doing everything. But you can do it less.
Let’s say that you constantly check an app or your inbox.
To begin small, you can do it three times per day at a fixed hour.
Setting an alarm will help you at the beginning.
Here are some examples of alternatives I put on my professional To-Don’t list.
| Don’t do this | Do this instead |
|---|---|
| Start your day guessing what to do first | Choose your first task of the day the evening before |
| Scroll social media endlessly | Set a timer of 20 minutes |
| Avoid multitasking | Finish a task before tackling the next one |
| Plan your next month in detail | Plan 5 doable tasks per week |
| Check your phone during work | Leave your phone in another room |
Tip #2: Don’t forget the funny time wasters
Binge watching is fun. I have enjoyed some series even three times.
Not in a row, but spread over time.
The thing is that sometimes, it is way too easy to drop yourself on the couch and lose track of time.
If that is the case for you, you can create a To-Don’t list of time wasters that keep you from doing your work, or things you actually love doing.
Tip #3: Reward yourself
Every second you don’t do a task that eats away your time, is a win.
Many of those deserve a reward.
For me, that can be as simple as staring for 5 minutes at the clouds.
Tip #4: Make mini To-Don’t lists
When I am too distracted to work, I write every single thing that prevents me from doing my job.
A while ago, that resulted in a long list that kept growing.
But now, I have a checklist of things to avoid when I need to focus on writing an article:
- Phone in the other room? Check
- Notifications on laptop disabled? Check
- Cat having enough food? Check
- +25 more of those things
And to prove my point, I used that mini list.
And finished this article.
Wrapping it up
If you are overwhelmed by all the things you have to do, a To-Don’t list is a great solution:
- Creating a list makes you better aware of draining tasks and activities.
- Doing more of what you love doing makes you feel better.
- You can create to don’t lists for every aspect of your life at home and at work.
It’s your turn now…
You have one task now.
Add to your To Do List: “Make a To-Don’t List”
And since you may forget it, you can apply the do it now productivity hack.
Do you feel insecure about handing your duties over to others? Then read our tips to delegate tasks like a boss.
