Overly busy people need to develop a ‘not-to-do’ list

So many of us are trying to squeeze 48 hours worth of activities into a 24-hour day, with the result of becoming frustrated, exhausted and depressed; or possibly, even make ourselves ill.

If that description fits you, a helpful tool is to develop a not-to-do list which will help you begin to recognize and get rid of the nonessentials that interrupt your day and use up valuable time.

First, of course, you have to learn to say “no” to any additional work, volunteering, engagements, etc., until you get your present schedule under control. Then it is helpful, although not always possible as the experts suggest, to divide your day into time zones and complete the most important activities at the periods when you have the greatest amount of energy.

It also means being very strict about not allowing interruptions like phone calls, visitors, or that pile of clothes you have been meaning to sort through distract you from the task at hand.

This can be really difficult, I know. It is all too easy to start something that is important but then see three other minor chores you have been meaning to get to suddenly right there in your path. You rationalize that it will “only take a few minutes.”

All the experts on time management are in agreement that we need to learn to say “no” even if it doesn’t please everyone, and that includes too many family commitments if they are not bringing you pleasure.

A good way to stay on track is to plan tomorrow’s tasks today, so that when you get up in the morning you know what is first on the list.

It is also helpful to break a big task into smaller ones; it makes the big job less overwhelming and you gain satisfaction as smaller parts of it are accomplished.

Some professionals suggest doing what you like least as the first item on your list. I prefer to put it as the second. I find the quick satisfaction of a likeable first task carries me over to the next not-so-pleasant job.

At first, it helps to keep a time log of what you are doing and be sure to include some short breaks; they stimulate us both physically and mentally. Some goalsetters use the 1-3-5 todo list, which suggests the daily goal of one large task, three medium and five small ones. But that sounds like a lot to me.

Of course, the more variety and challenges in your life, the more unpredictable and unplanned it can sometimes become, which is, to my mind, exciting. But sometimes I get so caught up in momentary accomplishments that I neglect the pleasures of the present and need to revive my notto-do list.

With this lovely spring weather calling us to get outside, to relax and enjoy, it may be a perfect time to do YOUR not-todo list.

“The whole point of getting things done is knowing what to leave undone.”