If you’re focused on productivity and effectively managing your time, you probably create to-do lists for each day.  This is a great practice that will help you stay on track and one that I highly recommend.  Just as you have your to-do list, you might also want to consider your “not-to-do” list.

Yes, that’s right, your NOT-to-do list.  Just as you list the things that you want to do, you want to be real clear about the things that you are not going to do.  For instance, a couple of years ago, I chose to no longer allow the lack of planning on the part of others effect me.  I was not going to allow my time to be disrespected.  That went on my not-to-do list and others would have to learn to respect my time.  There are, of course other things on my nt-to-do list.

Take a moment to think about the things that you are committed to NOT doing and create your not-to-do list.  Some of the things you might have on your not-to-do list might be:  “I won’t over commit myself.”; “I won’t bring home work from the office.”  What ever it is that you’ve committed yourself to not doing should go on the list.  If you haven’t thought about those things, I suggest that you spend some time to thinking about it.

Once you’ve committed yourself to the things you are determined not to do, refer to your not-to-do list just as you would your daily to-do list.  Make this a part of your routine and stick to it!  It can help keep you productive just like your daily to-do list will.

Once you make your not-to-do list, leave a comment here and share what you put on your Not-to-do list.  I really am interested in knowing.