# My Not To Do List: A Simpler Path to Productivity
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Lists
Lists serve as an effective mechanism for boosting productivity. Everyone has 168 hours in a week, yet some seem to squander their time, while others accomplish their goals. Those who are more efficient often rely on lists to guide their tasks.
Traditionally, we create "To Do" lists, as recommended by productivity gurus like Brian Tracy and Jim Rohn for years. They advise us to jot down our tasks before bedtime, allowing our minds to process them overnight. The following day, we wake up ready to tackle our lists, enjoying the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks. This method can provide a sense of achievement, and rewarding ourselves at day’s end is a good practice.
However, while making lists is effective, many of us may be trying too hard. There exists an alternative approach that can simplify our lives. Beyond "To Do" lists, there are other lists that can yield extraordinary results.
Chapter 2: The Concept of a 'Not To Do List'
People frequently seek to carve out time for various activities—exercise, work tasks, socializing, and family. Technically, we cannot create time, but we can allocate it. If you desire to feel as if you've magically conjured additional hours, consider adopting a 'Not To Do List.' This has become my most valuable tool in recent times.
Section 2.1: Identifying Time-Wasters
We often squander time on pursuits that do little to enhance our lives. Many of these activities subtly detract from our well-being, and we may not even realize it.
Common culprits include binge-watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, or aimlessly passing time. If you could eliminate these time-wasting habits, how much time could you reclaim? What beneficial activities could you pursue instead?
Subsection 2.1.1: Personal Reflections on Habits
For example, I used to snack on nuts and biscuits between meals. While nuts are healthy, they added unnecessary calories, leading to weight gain over time. By simply stopping these snacks, I unintentionally started a mental 'Not To Do List.' Within a week, I noticed a drop in weight and felt much better.
Similarly, I used to scroll through news articles while waiting for my kettle to boil, even though the content rarely impacted my life. By leaving my phone away during these moments, I created an opportunity to stretch instead. This small change not only freed up time but also improved my flexibility and overall fitness.
Chapter 3: Transforming Time into Good Habits
The third change I made was to limit my YouTube consumption to only specific topics of interest. This adjustment saved me hours and allowed me to delve deeper into subjects I was passionate about, like motorcycles. I began to reward myself with YouTube time after completing less enjoyable tasks, significantly enhancing both my productivity and leisure time.
Section 3.1: Putting It All Together
Doing less can often lead to accomplishing more, which is a wonderful realization. After a few weeks of consciously avoiding certain activities, I decided to formalize my 'Not To Do List.' I wrote down activities that I deemed pointless: browsing non-essential items online, watching irrelevant news, and excessive time spent at the gym during peak hours.
By eliminating these distractions, I discovered how much time I saved. For instance, avoiding late-night gym sessions allowed me to work out more efficiently and effectively.
Chapter 4: Filling the Void with Positive Actions
As the saying goes, nature abhors a vacuum. When we clear time from our schedules, we must be vigilant about filling that space with positive actions. After replacing my scrolling habit with stretching, I progressed to more complex flexibility routines.
With the time saved from my 'Not To Do List,' I found myself reading more—averaging a book a week—and dedicating time to writing and playing guitar. My family life improved too; I even stored the TV away, leading to more meaningful conversations with my wife.
Section 4.1: The Choice to Change
Ultimately, the choice is yours: to continue engaging in pointless activities or to take a stand against detrimental habits. While 'To Do Lists' have their merits, 'Not To Do Lists' can be even more impactful.
Reflect on your daily routines and pinpoint activities that offer little benefit. Consider alternative options to fill that time, ensuring the hours you've reclaimed aren't squandered again.
If you've found value in this perspective and wish to support writers, consider joining Medium for just $5 a month, granting you unlimited access to countless stories. Thank you for reading!