It's the beginning of the new year. It is time to make resolutions. But, let us switch to a not-to-do list this year. As compared to making a to-do list, it is infinitely difficult to make a not-to-do list. Any commitments we make need time. In our zeal to define new goals for the new year, we forget to create time for it in our jam-packed schedule. A not-to-do list frees time for us. It helps us focus on our goal and declutters our minds.
Metrics: Here are some of the suggestions to build your not-to-do list.
Look at your long term goals - personal and professional. List things that are essential to achieving those goals. Anything that you do regularly and which isn't remotely connected with the goal is the first thing to add to the not-to-do list.
You may be using some form of the planning tool. Most often, it is the daily to-do list. After you have written what-to-do today, write what-not-to-do next to it. In a few days, you would realize the non-essential stuff you are daily spending time on. We had a lot of discussions and debates in our college WhatsApp group. Many of us spent a lot of time, and most often, these discussions had nothing positive to add to my life. So, I stopped commenting in that group. It's been more than a year now. That's an example of the not-to-do.
Usually, we pile the new year's goals on top of the earlier year. This time, have a look at your past goals. Make an objective assessment of what you want to drop from that list. Unless you drop a few of your past goals, do not make new resolutions.
Pareto Principle is a useful tool. List all the activities you do. Make your guess about the impact they are having on your life. Simply pick the top 20% activities. They are meaningful activities that really impact your life. If you need a free template to undertake this activity, send an email to me at subodh.subsay@gmail.com with the subject as Yes, I need the free template.
The new year gives us a mental blank slate. Think that if you were to start an initiative that is already underway would you attempt it. If the answer is yes, then continue, else drop it for a few weeks and see how you feel.
All of us prepare our annual budget in the 3 months from January to March. Use point number 4 as your guide. Allocate zero budget to the bottom 80% of activities. You can always add discretionary expenses for the infrequent events that pop-up or activities you wish to undertake in the middle of the year.
Wish you a happy new year!
Subodh
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