“To Don’t” list…

We are a “to do list” type of family! We have a list for everything, and I must credit this to my wife. We are extremely busy, and we are involved in a lot of activities.  If we are not organized in some way, things will get missed.

We really do have a list for everything. Not just the grocery store list, or the meal prep list or the Saturday “honey-do” list. I can walk down and look at the counter in our kitchen, which serves as my wife’s unofficial desk, and find my list so I know what I’m supposed to do on any given day.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way!

The great thing about lists is you can always add to them, but the even greater thing about lists is checking off an item that’s completed. Heck, I’m even guilty of completing something and then adding it to the list just for the satisfaction of scratching it off. I know that’s not very efficient, but it feels so good! Is anyone else like this or is it just me? 🙂

I even blogged about this before and identified several different ways (whether pen and paper or digital system) to document responsibilities and actions to make sure things aren’t missed. Check it out HERE if you’re curious. It involves a suggestion that my grandson made that got me thinking.

Sure, it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of scraps of paper everywhere or lists on your phone or the computer or even on the counter in your kitchen. But, if you have a good system, it’s completely necessary, at least for my family.

There is one list that I don’t have and probably should consider. And that is what I call a “to don’t” list. What I mean by this is a list of reminders of things that I should not be doing. And almost 100% of these things are time wasters.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t take a break from time to time. This should absolutely be on the to do list as it helps to maintain our sanity. I’m talking about those things that we make an excuse to do because we don’t want to do what we need to do.

It’s almost like setting four or five different alarms to get me up in the morning instead of maybe just one or two to get up when I should.

As I stated before, a “to don’t “list is filled with excuses. Completing a “to don’t” list is filled with actions and activities that prevent progress.

I caught myself doing something on a “to don’t” list just this morning. After I watched a training video to show me how to complete a very important part of my business, I stepped away for a quick break. Instead of acting on what I just learned, I decided to watch a quick funny video that someone recommend. That led to another video, and another video and before I knew it, I was deep in a hole filled with unproductive activity.

We are all allowed distractions, and these can be healthy at times. But when the distractions become the norm, this behavior changes from one of productivity to one of laziness and apathy.

The funny thing is that I had made a decision on what this blog post would be several days ago, researched and crafted a draft in my mind and on paper, and was going to complete today. And I still found myself checking off items on my “to don’t” list. I know better!

Fortunately, I snapped myself out of it, reviewed the training video this morning, and started to compose this blog post.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Sticking to a “to do” list is about more than just organization, it’s about protecting your energy and focus. Every time you check something off, you’re reinforcing discipline, progress, and momentum. That sense of forward movement is powerful, and it builds confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes next. On the flip side, the more we let ourselves wander into unnecessary distractions, the harder it is to get back on track.

Another reason these lists are vital is because they serve as a compass. A good list keeps you pointed toward your priorities, while a “to don’t” list keeps you away from the detours that slow you down. Think of it like guardrails on a winding road. The “to do” list offers the destination and the map, while the “to don’t” list makes sure you don’t drive off the cliff. Both are necessary if you want to arrive where you’re headed.

Finally, a disciplined approach to lists allows you to work smarter, not just harder. So much of running a business isn’t about grinding endlessly, it’s about making clear decisions on what deserves your attention and what doesn’t. When you say “yes” to the right tasks and “no” to the wrong ones, you’re multiplying your effectiveness and cutting out wasted effort.

Just like in family life, business success depends on the ability to stay focused. And that’s where a “to don’t” list can be a game changer. Here are a few things every online business owner should add to their “to don’t” list:

• Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before taking action. Perfection delays progress. Done is better than perfect.
• Don’t say yes to everything. Guard your time and energy for the things that actually move the needle.
• Don’t chase every shiny new tool or trend. Stick with what’s proven to work before chasing the next big thing.
• Don’t confuse motion with progress. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you’re building your business.
• Don’t put off uncomfortable conversations. Whether it’s with a customer, partner, or team member. Problems don’t get smaller by ignoring them.
• Don’t underprice your value. You can’t grow a sustainable business if you’re constantly selling yourself short.
• Don’t let notifications control your day. Silence the dings and buzzes so you can focus on deep, meaningful work.

This is just a small sampling of a list that can be, and should be, a lot longer. What are some things on your “to don’t” list that you want to cross off?

If you think about it, a “to don’t” list is almost like hiring a coach who constantly reminds you not to drift away from your goals. It’s not always about what you do, sometimes it’s more about what you stop doing.

Whether it’s life at home or business online, lists are a lifeline. A “to do” list keeps us moving forward. A “to don’t” list keeps us from sliding backward. Used together, they give you clarity, focus, and discipline. The next time you’re tempted to wander into distraction, ask yourself, “Am I checking off my “to do list” or my “to don’t list?” That simple question might just keep you on the road to success.

Now, I’m off to check on that list that my wife prepared for me to accomplish today. I secretly hope a few items include a trip to the hardware store to buy that new tool I want or watching the baseball game later tonight after I complete my work. 😉

“What gets measured gets managed.” – Peter Drucker

 “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen R. Covey

 And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

I made a schedule for my procrastination…But I keep putting it off.

I told my boss I was good at multitasking.  I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once!

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

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