When it comes to productivity, most people focus on what they need to do, task lists, goals, habits, and routines. But there’s a powerful tool that often gets overlooked: the Not-To-Do List. Instead of adding more to your plate, this list is all about setting boundaries, eliminating distractions, and protecting your time and energy.
A Not-To-Do List is not about laziness or avoidance, it’s about intentionality. It helps you identify the actions, habits, or commitments that drain you or distract you from what really matters. By clearly defining what you’re not going to do, you make space for what you truly want to accomplish.
What Is a Not-To-Do List?
A Not-To-Do List is a personal list of habits, behaviors, or tasks that you intentionally choose to avoid. These are things that:
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Waste your time
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Distract you from priorities
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Lead to burnout
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Take you away from your goals
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Don’t align with your values
It’s not just about eliminating bad habits, it’s about creating clarity and focus in your day.
Why It Works
1. Protects Your Time
Every time you say “yes” to something unimportant, you’re saying “no” to something important. A not-to-do list helps you stop making accidental commitments that drain your time.
2. Improves Decision-Making
When you know your boundaries ahead of time, you can say “no” with confidence without guilt or overthinking.
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Reduces Mental Load
You don’t have to keep re-deciding what to avoid. Once it’s on the list, it’s off your mind. -
Increases Focus and Productivity
By cutting distractions, you leave room to go deeper on what matters most.
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
– Warren Buffett
Common “Not-To-Do” List Examples
Here are some real-life examples of items you might put on your own list:
Time-Wasting Habits
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Don’t check email first thing in the morning
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Don’t scroll social media during work hours
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Don’t say “yes” to meetings without an agenda
Energy Drains
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Don’t argue with people on the internet
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Don’t engage in gossip or office drama
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Don’t keep toxic relationships in your calendar
Boundaries for Focus
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Don’t multitask while doing deep work
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Don’t leave notifications on during creative time
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Don’t work past 6 PM on weekdays
Mindset & Behavior
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Don’t compare your progress to others
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Don’t start the day without a plan
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Don’t ignore self-care in the name of productivity
How to Create Your Own Not-To-Do List
Step 1: Reflect on What’s Not Working
Ask yourself: What wastes my time? What drains my energy? What leaves me feeling unfocused or stressed?
Step 2: Write It Down
Make a list of 5–10 things you want to stop doing. Be honest and specific.
Step 3: Review and Update Weekly
This isn’t a one-time exercise. Life changes. Keep your list updated and adjust as your priorities shift.
Step 4: Keep It Visible
Post it near your workspace, in your planner, or even as a phone background—wherever you’ll see it often.
My Personal Not-To-Do List Example
Here’s part of what I include in my own list:
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Don’t check my phone while journaling or planning
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Don’t skip my morning walk just to save time
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Don’t answer texts during focused writing time
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Don’t try to do everything myself, delegate!
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Don’t let other people’s urgency become my emergency
These small decisions help protect my peace and make sure I’m building a life on my terms, not reacting to the world around me.
Say No to Make Space for Yes
Creating a Not-To-Do List isn’t just about cutting things out, it’s about making room for what truly matters. Every “no” you say to distractions, time-wasters, and obligations that don’t serve you is a powerful “yes” to your goals, your peace, and your purpose.
When you stop chasing everything, you can start focusing on the right things. Protecting your time is one of the most loving and life-giving choices you can make for yourself. So be bold. Set boundaries. And remember: what you don’t do is just as important as what you do.
Let your Not-To-Do List be a daily reminder that you’re in control of your time and your life.
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