I’m sure you’re very familiar with the concept of using a ’To Do’ list. Today I’d like to introduce you to another kind of list that can help you increase your productivity.
It’s something I call the ‘Don’t Do’ list.
Each one of us has our own unique methods for procrastinating that we have skillfully developed over years of ‘careful research’. Often, our methods for wasting time are so subtle and ingenious that we aren’t even aware they exist!
For some people it’s checking email, for others its watching videos on YouTube, for many people its watching TV programs they aren’t really interested in.
A great way to increase your productivity is to identify and become aware of your favourite ways to waste time and then write them down on your ‘Don’t Do’ list.
The first time I did this I discovered that I had a bad habit of checking my email every 30 minutes or so. I wrote this down on my ’Don’t Do’ list and I suddenly became very concious of just how much time I was wasting during the day.
To tell you the truth, it came as quite a shock because I’d been doing it for so long that it had become an unconcious reflex action.
Once I had identified the problem and become aware of it by writing it down on my ‘Don’t Do’ list, I was able to change my routine to check my email in the morning, at lunchtime and at the end of the day.
As this example shows, you probably won’t want to eliminate these activities completely because they are likely to be things you enjoy, but just being aware of them can make a huge difference to your productivity.
This Week’s Action Steps
1. Create a ‘Don’t Do’ list and keep it nearby as you go about your week. Click Here for a template.
2. Take note of the activities you regularly use to procrastinate and write them down on your ‘Don’t Do’ list.
3. Put your ‘Don’t Do’ list somewhere prominant to remind you of your danger activities.
4. Modify your routine to limit the time you spend on the activities on your list.
5. Enjoy your increased productivity!
Until next time,
Dare To Dream!
Anthony
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