There isn’t anything quite like an empty to-do list. It’s one of the most relaxing feelings, but when is the last time you were in this situation? There are too many items to cross off and not enough hours in the day, but should everything on your list actually be there?
This cycle of overfilling the proverbial “plates” breeds ineffective and unproductive workplaces. Because of this, we are faced with nagging, overwhelmed feelings that can negatively affect performance, leadership, focus and overall purpose.
Bring order to the chaos
In order to be a successful leader you need to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Taking a quiet moment or even an afternoon reflecting and evaluating all aspects of work can decrease stress, increase concentration and overall focus and improve self-awareness.
Before you even finish reading this article, take a 30-second timeout.
Consider your own work practices; speed and effectiveness; strengths and weaknesses; control and adaptability; outstanding projects and deadlines; and your impact on others.
Now reflect on your distractors and detours; with those create your to-don’t list. Activities, people and commitments that you know aren’t a good use of your time still nag at you, and somehow make their way on to your to-do list. Moving these to-do’s to your to-don’ts frees up time and creates mental clarity.
To-don’t lists are usually given as gag gifts, but what many don’t realize is the actual value behind them. It forces one to evaluate and prioritize what’s important for the company, the team and the individual while allowing for better delegation skills and leadership.
Ask questions first
When creating your to-do list ask yourself these questions:
- Is this essential for the company?
- Does it further the company’s missions?
- Is it effective?
- Do I have the proper amount of time to commit?
If you answer “no” to any of the above questions, that specific activity has no place on your to-do list. Add it instead to the to-don’t list. You’ll be surprised by how much time is consumed with doing the to-don’ts.
Then challenge yourself to bring together your company’s key leaders for an afternoon of reflection. Outline and concentrate on three areas:
- What has been done well, individually and as a whole, within the last week or even month?
- What tasks and responsibilities are on your personal to-do list that have great purpose, but that you just haven’t accomplished yet, compared with those that are not of great purpose, but have been crossed off the list?
- Create your to-don’t list. What projects, tasks, responsibilities and roles have been put on your plate that aren’t a priority and don’t in fact contribute to the company’s bottom line?
Don’t spend any more sleepless nights taking a mental inventory of what still needs to be done. Lessen the weight on your shoulders and remember, you don’t have to do it all. If you do anything now, create your to-don’t list.
