My "Not To-Do" List
My husband, Dan, just sent me a list of things that he’s learned recently.
•Don't drink hot coffee while sitting in a rocking chair.
•Use a cup holder in the car while driving where deer often cross the road.
•Never underestimate how far a coiled rattlesnake can lunge.
•Never wear moccasins walking in the weeds.
•I have the propensity to gunnysack unresolved anger.
•Sometimes it’s OK to feel like an ATM.
Dan’s list reminded me of Michael Hyatt ‘s recent blog post, “Do You Have a Not To-Do List?” He explained, “The idea is to list all the activities you are intentionally going to stop doing for the sake of greater productivity.”
Dan's list included some activities that he planned to stop doing for the sake of survival.
But since I’ve been struggling with an unproductive, negative mental focus (productivity and survival), I decided to start a not-to-do list of my own.
•Don’t forget to exercise.
•Don’t make unhealthy food choices when I’m emotional.
•Don’t give unsolicited advice.
•Don’t assume I know what someone else is thinking.
•Don’t try to write with distractions all around me.
•Don’t text and drive at the same time.
•Don’t turn on the TV when I need to write.
•Don’t check e-mail and social media constantly.
•Don’t hyper-focus on past mistakes and offenses.
Photo/KarenJordan
What are some things on your "Not To-Do list"?
Posted by Karen Jordan at 18 Aug 2011 
Categories: Building Legacies, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety distractions encouragement freedom lifelong learner purpose writing prompt productivity Nichael Hyatt
Categories: Building Legacies, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety distractions encouragement freedom lifelong learner purpose writing prompt productivity Nichael Hyatt
Love it! Here's one: Never leave for a 9 hour drive without making sure the dvd player works.
Reply to this
Thanks, Tara! Good plan--the dvd player and all! I bet that was an exciting trip with four kids!!!!
Reply to this