by Pam Solberg-Tapper

There are numerous demands competing for your time and attention. Creating a daily “To Do” list aids with productivity. However, most would benefit from creating a daily “NOT-To-Do” list as well. When you create a “NOT-To-Do” list and adhere to it, you become more effective because you will have more time to do what’s important.

Here are five things for your “NOT-To- Do” List:

  1. Do not engage in time waster habits. These include surfing the web/social media, checking e-mail as it comes in versus “batching” and checking it at set times only, or letting distractions interrupt your focus.
  2. Do not say “yes” automatically. Your time and energy are finite. By saying “yes” to some things, you are actually saying “no” to others that may be more important. Tactfully say you are interested, but this is not a good time for you, or recommend someone else that could do it.
  3. Do not put important things off. In his book, Eat That Frog, author Brian Tracy advises to tackle your most important challenging task first thing in the morning. By doing this, you avoid procrastination and zero in on the getting the right things done first. He explains that this practice triggers the release of endorphins which makes you feel more energized, creative and confident.
  4. Do not spend time ruminating on things that are out of your control. Avoid taking time and brain space on things you cannot control or influence. Ask yourself: “Is this something I have control over?” If not, focus what is in your control instead. For example, being late due a traffic jam because of an accident is out of your control. What is in your control is to call ahead to report you will be late. Then, let it go.
  5. Do not do things that you can delegate to someone else. Successful leaders work through others by delegating. Delegation frees up your time so you can focus on priorities that only you can do. In addition, delegation develops your people to become more self-reliant and effective in their roles.

Tim Ferris, author and podcaster says, “NOT-To- Do” lists are often more effective than “To Do” lists for upgrading performance. The reason is simple: what you don’t do determines what you can do.

What needs to be on your “NOT-To-Do” list?