GOOD OL’ TO-DO LIST
Do you have a to-do list? Of course, many of us do. The famous to-do list concept is the backbone of most productivity systems; it is used to track tasks and manage your attention throughout the day. We’re all aware of making a to-do list to improve our productivity.
THE HIDDEN GEM- ‘NOT-TO-DO’ LIST
We all have a to-do list, but how many of us have a notto-do List? So far, you have been concentrating on getting things done. Also, it is essential to spend your time accomplishing only those things that matter. You may get carried away with the momentum of performing task after task, many of which are not even adding any value to your productive day. At work, a gazillion errands desire your attention, out of which only some are valuable. As necessary as it is to do important things, it is equally critical to not do things that are of no value. Example: Do not agree to meetings or calls with no clear agenda or end time. That meeting or call doesn’t hold any value until you have a clear agenda, date, time, and venue for it.
TO-DO LIST OR NOT-TO-DO LIST?
As a productivity enthusiast, I say to-do lists are powerful, but a complementary approach can further improve our productivity: the not-to-do List.” You don’t need to stop making your everyday to-do list, instead, make a not-to-do list alongside. A not-to-do list is a convenient tool to stay more attentive to the crucial things in your personal and professional life. In simple words, it’s a list of tasks you don’t do, no matter what. You delete them, delegate them, outsource them, or just say no when they try to crawl back their way on your to-do list. A very well-thought-out not-to-do list helps you maintain better focus and only execute tasks that produce the greatest value. Another advantage of a notto-do List is that you become more realistic as you focus on the most significant tasks at least 85% of the time. Example: Do not check e-mail constantly; “batch” and check at set times only. This way, your mind doesn’t wander towards your emails, and the maximum focus is on your task.
WHAT IS A NOT-TO-DO LIST?
To be more clear, it’s not a list of bad habits you’re committed to breaking or negative behaviour you want to be sure to avoid. Example: No junk food today. That won’t help. That is a habit that has to be integrated into your lifestyle. It’s a list of tasks that you must not do to avoid time wastage and concentration lapse. Also, these tasks are irrelevant, as they don’t lead you to any of your larger objectives, hamper your work, and aren’t even compulsory for you to perform. Realistically, you are much better off not accomplishing them. You have two options- either not to do that task or delegate it to someone. Example: Say no to social media indulgence every hour. Decide upon a time and scroll through your social media feed at that designated time. A not-to-do list will not only bring you clarity but also inner peace because there will be less shame and anxiety over things you think you should do, but are having trouble getting to. It may sound weird. You’re busy enough already but set aside a little chunk of time, half an hour to begin with and then subsequently lesser time, for creating your not-to-do-list. The productivity you gain will be so worth it.
UPGRADE YOUR LIFE WITH A NOT-TO-DO LIST
Did you know: What you don’t do determines what you can do. Here are five unproductive habits that entrepreneurs and other professionals should aim to eliminate. When you avoid non-trivial tasks consciously, it’ll automatically funnel your energy into things that you want to do. And that is how you can maximise your performance. 1.Do not carry mobile phones to washroomsThis is not just a big time waster but an energydrainer too. 2.Do not e-mail first thing in the morning or last thing at night- This idea messes up with your priorities and plans for the day. It can wait until 10.00 a.m.- 11.00 a.m. when you are done with your one big hairy task. 3. Do not take calls from any unrecognised numbersThis is just an unwanted interruption that you are not looking for. 4. Do not start a day without a productive techniqueThere are a lot of techniques available to have better time management skills and clarity. From Pomodoro technique to Pareto analysis, Eisenhower matrix to simple Time-Blocking methodjust go for anything. There are more than seven such techniques, you can go for. 5. Do not work straightup for hours if you have a sedentary job- Take a break frequently for some humble stretching. This is important for your physical as well as your mental health.
FINAL TAKE
Target just a couple of notto-do items, just as you would with high-priority to-do items. The blessings of a not-to-do list are understated. It enables you to get rid of not-so-important tasks with ease. Now that you understand the importance of a not-to-do List, create your own. Unleash the power now. Aditi N.C. is a award winning fempreneur and Founder & CEO ‘The Social Unicorns’.