You spend lots of time bragging about the things you do, whether they are big or small.
(In fact, some people seem to do more bragging than doing.)
Yet, just as important are the things that you choose not to do.
What are you not doing that you can brag about?
You Can’t Do Everything
You have the same amount of time in the day as everyone else. The only difference is how you choose to spend it.
And you cannot do everything.
Just as important as what you are accomplishing is what you aren’t doing. Not doing one thing gives you more time to do something else.
“What you choose not to do is just as important as what you decide to do.” (Tweet this Quote)
When was the last time you announced, “Wow, I am so glad I didn’t do this…” or “Glad I didn’t waste any effort doing that!”
This type of announcement might not be popular in a corporate workplace that thrives on a “do do do” mentality. Even less in one that suffers from Busy Bee Syndrome.
What was the last thing you could brag that you didn’t do?
- Didn’t start another task until you finished the one at hand
- Didn’t let others interrupt you while doing important work
- Didn’t let your phone or email disturb you while out to dinner with your spouse
- Didn’t address the inconsequential task on your plate
- Didn’t do the task that wasn’t on your list
- Didn’t endlessly surf the web or read the news
- Didn’t spend time gossiping instead of working
Some Things are Better Not Done
To improve what you are getting done in your day, you need to examine what you are *not doing.* Choosing not to engage in one task allows you more time to do the one that needs to get done.
As you go through your list, make a “To Don’t List.” Try replacing your “Don’t Habits” with better “Do Habits.” Or perhaps, simply put up reminders to keep you from doing those tasks you shouldn’t be doing.
Today, brag about what you’re not going to do.
Question: What was the last thing you were proud that you didn’t do? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
I see more and more people bragging about how busy they are, but I never thought about bragging about what I am not doing. Choosing not to do things is a great way to add margin to your busy life, and start to the create the time that you need to spend on the things that matter most to you. Thanks for sharing Craig.
Hey Craig! Thanks for the post! I am quite proud of not chasing every lead we get! My startup is becoming more focused day by day, even at the cost of short term revenues. This may sound more like a comment on strategy than one on time management, but it’s all perfectly related. Strategic focus has really helped me in becoming more productive because I need to think of fewer things. I really am getting more done and I am feeling great about it!
Finally! A positive outlet for my laziness and procrastination.
we are so busy being busy that we have no
idea what we should be working on!
Stop! Take a moment and reflect
on what will I do today that will make an impact on my role/business…
Stephen Covey said, “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside. The enemy of the ‘best’ is often the ‘good.'”