To Do Lists are a staple of productivity. Whether scrawled on sticky notes or organized in sleek digital apps, they offer structure, clarity, and momentum. But as useful as they are, to do lists alone don’t guarantee effectiveness—they simply point us toward action. What’s often missing is an intentional barrier against distraction, overcommitment, and low-value tasks. This is where the
“To Not Do List” comes in, turning a good productivity habit into a strategic powerhouse.
A to do list answers the question: *What must I accomplish?* It’s future-facing and task-driven. But it has a blind spot. It doesn’t prevent you from doing things that *shouldn’t* be done, tasks that sap time, compromise focus, or stem from guilt, not purpose. These are the time traps that sneak in between the tasks that truly matter.
A to not do list addresses this vulnerability. It states clearly: *These are the things I will avoid, delegate, or deprioritize. It sets guardrails around your energy and attention. Think of it as an operating system update, eliminating bugs in your behavior that slow you down.
For example, your to do list may include “Finish Wednesday presentation” or “Schedule team check-in.” But your to not do list might say “Don’t check email before 11 a.m.” or “Don't let Janet live rent-free in your head.” One drives purposeful motion, while the other blocks self-sabotage.
Together, these lists create a feedback loop. The to do list moves you forward, while the to not do list protects your progress. You gain not only output but intention. You stop reacting to every input and start filtering your day through what matters most.
Importantly, the to not do list isn’t about being rigid or negative, it’s about focus. It reminds you that discipline isn’t just about doing the right thing, but also about *not* doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. It allows space for rest, boundary-setting, and long-term thinking.
So, if you’ve hit a wall with your productivity, even with lists in place, try adding their inverse. Write down what you won’t do today. What you won’t apologize for skipping. What doesn’t belong in your bandwidth.
You might find that what you don’t do has as much power as what you do.
What's up with that Janet anyway?
