To Do or Not To Do
Mastering My To-Don’t List
by @ambthegoddess
Sometimes my mind feels like a subway station… in the heart of a tornado… during a zombie apocalypse! My thoughts will start racing so rapidly that it eventually feels like my head is exploding. What might start off as “I wonder what I can have for a snack?” somehow has snowballed into “How much wood would I need to build a greenhouse?” Next thing you know, I’m googling gardening tips while my stomach is doing backflips. I don’t even have access to a backyard! My lack of chill has led to migraines, insomnia, and panic attacks. I may not be able to always control my environment, but I do have a say-so in my reactions. I find the calm in calamity by combating my anxiety with a variety of coping skills. One of my favorite tools I use to declutter my mind is the to-do list; to spice it up a bit, I suggest a to-don’t list!I’m sure many can admit to adding an already-completed task to their to-do list! I definitely know I’m guilty! Progress becomes addictive. When I see a check, I become more motivated to earn more! Fortunately, you are in complete control, so a teeny bit of cheating for encouragement is allowed! What I absolutely do not condone myself doing is checking off something before I do it! You never know what can pop up and hinder you from finishing!
There has been a few times I have written my to-do list using my Notes App on my iPhone. However, most times I prefer old school pen and paper. This is no different for my to-don’t list! My imperfect handwriting and doodling are my way of making my list special.I make sure to include the date. I might give myself two weeks to see a change. In order to hold myself accountable, I make specific and realistic goals! Imagine me putting “eating unhealthy” instead of “drink pop on weekdays”! Broad goals can get way to complicated, because it becomes harder to pinpoint achievement. I keep my list short sometimes, so I don’t lose focus.
Organizing my goals in lists always seems to help me. Even if I do not complete the list, I know I’m always more productive than if I had not made one at all. There have been times I only complete one task and am confident I would have done none without the list. It also helps to know that all my problems aren’t just swarming in my head like bees. I can make a plan with actual solutions.
I have made it a priority to master the yin and yang in my life. I will keep balance in my life by focusing on the positive, but not neglecting negative. I will remain humble by never forgetting my flaws. I have a lot of bad habits that I have the power to change. It won’t happen overnight, but I decide to take it one day at a time. One check mark at a time!
-@ambthegoddess
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I love the idea of a To Don't List! This is a unique concept to me, but a very valuable one! I love this thought a lot.
I totally agree with not putting a to do list on your iPhone, I’d much rather right it down! I have a better chance of doing my to do list. To do lists really help me get much more done! Thanks for this great read!
I think you have many of the same trials and tribulations as many of us. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with all the things I need to do and need to step back for a period of time.
Thank you so much Alexandra!
Thanks not-so-anonymous Melaun lol I appreciate this!
Having that kind of list to work off of does seem to be a good strategy. I can't stand when I'm procrastinating things I could get done in a day!
Thanks for connecting. I’m glad we can relate!
Yes, thanks Liz! Lists have been my hero!
Hi Karminity,I love to do lists also! 🙂 I agree that you are more likely to complete a specific goal than a general (almost abstract) goal. I am glad you brought this up.Best,Christina
Thank you Christina! Certainly feels great to relate!
Even I am more of a pen and paper person! leaves little scope for changing tasks and procrastination
I usually has a to do list written down on a paper at my workstation. That way I can refer to see and see it in front of me.
I really like the idea of a To Don't list…why not give yourself something to cross off? It's so motivating to finish a to do list! I wrote a post (and a few others) on accomplishing your goals that you might like 🙂 http://box5224.temp.domains/~realisz1/2018/11/22/goal-catching-3-strategies-to-keep-your-eye-on-the-prize-and-achieve-your-goals/
I'm a complete list a-holic, I have them in notebooks, on my phone, on apps! But really like your idea of a not to do list!
I am right there with you… What starts as a simple to-do sprirals into a huge project and me stressing but I do love my check list… It helps to keep me grounded and calm 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your post. Making To-do list surely gave the required push and the motivation!
Wow! This is so true! With a phone, it's too easy to cheat yourself and edit a line for a check! Nice comment!
I love this tip. I keep my lists in a notebook. I will follow your lead and try keeping it out!
Thank you for checking this out! I am so glad you enjoyed Remo!
Thank you so much Shar! The spiral is the story-of-my-life!
I appreciate your comment! You are goals! I think I'm going to download an app. Feel free to share your favorite one for lists!
Thanks Katie. I'll love to check this out!
Sometimes I like writing my to-do lists on paper, but usually I have it on my phone so I can access it all the time. This is a great blog post. 🙂
Yes when I am pressed for time, I will sometimes use my phone! That is a great point!
We tend to use lists to plan and reach our goals too! It helps to mind dump onto paper to gain clarity x
Love the term \”mind dump\”! Thanks for reading!
I love making my to-do list daily, but making a list of not to do is sounds great!
I know what you mean about having a busy mind. We love to write lists too. It helps to keep everything under control and in a bit of an order – or we would be frantically rushing from task to task without a break. Fab idea to have a don't list – i'll have to try it this week!
To-Dos are always helpful when a person start to realize he/she needs to get organized :-DP.S. I use Evernote for my ToDos and Social Champ for scheduling my daily social media.
I love planning, so I have lot of lists, too. Never tried a to not do list. I'll give it a go.
This is great…never thought of making a to don't list. Awesome idea
Thank you Surekha! Beautiful name!
I hope the to-don't list helps! Thank you!
Wow thanks! I will check those out asap!
Thanks for reading! I hope it goes great!
Thanks for the support! 🙂
When I make to do lists, It usually makes me be more productive throughout the day! Thanks for the great read!
Thanks Melaun! Your support is amazing! Much love!
I love listing things to get done. For me, not only do I get satisfaction in completing the goal, I also get much satisfaction in, get this, crossing the item off my list when finished! It feels good knowing that I’ve achieved a small goal! I’m also a visual learner, meaning, if I see it, I’ll have a better chance of remembering it vs. phone app. I love this article!! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you reading! I feel like they should have word for learners who learn all three ways equally. I feel like that is me!