“Less is more. Progress is made through precise, persistent, and purposeful pushes.” ― Scott Perry

If you’re like most of us, then it’s likely you’ll have too much to do but not enough time. If left unchecked, then over time this can become demotivating and even overwhelming. That’s why a Not-To-Do list can help you become more effective.

A key point about productivity is it’s less about speed (that’s just an aspect of it) but more specifically it’s about achieving targeted outcomes. High performers devote 80% of their time to high value important work. However, time focused here for the average worker is significantly less at 50%. Imagine the impact on results if we were more selective with what gets our attention?

This is why a Not-To-Do list can help. How does it work though in reality? Consider this 4 step process.

Understand what needs to be on your Must-Do list – these are the tasks and activities you need to do accomplish your goals. Write them down and then question their relevance until you have absolute clarity on the most important.
Identify what else is consuming your time – what do you do each day that’s not part of your Must-Do list? How much time is wasted here? Write them down and then question if anything else needs to be added.
Template responses – it’s often easier to say yes than no. Therefore, reduce the energy it takes to say no by writing down a response why you won’t action each activity on the Not-To-Do list. By writing it down you can either easily copy responses into an email or use them to remind you why the activity isn’t important.
Be disciplined – like any plan, it’s the implementation that brings the plan to life. Have the necessary discipline and resolve to follow it.

The funny thing about productivity is we can be more effective if we’re more selective with the tasks we do. I’m confident you won’t look back if you try the Not-To-Do list approach for a month.