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The _Not_-To-Do-List

52 Projects: A Not-To-Do List

I suspect Jeffrey’s Not-To-Do list could use a place over most of our desks some days.

A few I particularly liked:

  • Do not start wading through all the magazines you subscribe to but never read.
  • Do not go to IMDB to see who that actor was in that movie you saw the other night. Or what that girl from that show from way back when is doing now.
  • Do not search for gray hairs.
  • Do not post to your blog.
  • Do not start fantasizing about sex.
  • Do not start worrying about all the time you’ve already wasted.
  • Do not put on Prince and party like it’s 1999. (Well, okay, maybe ONCE, just to get you fired up about your project.)
  • Do not start going through your closet.
  • Do not organize your spice rack.

My concern, of course, is that staring at these would be a bit like fighting the “don’t think about biting your tongue” trick; it would be all I could do not to run and queue up “Let’s Pretend We’re Married”.


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RickP in AZ's picture

I have no respect for...

I have no respect for any person who tells me not to play Prince… especially “1999.” Heck, Prince is almost a full 1GB of my iTunes/iPod Library. He must be crazy… but I’m going to read through them all anyway. “Lady Cab Driver” and “A.U.T.Omatic” all the way baby!

Jack's picture

Guilty on four counts. :(...

Guilty on four counts. :(

Trejkaz's picture

But just think, if everyone...

But just think, if everyone had “Do not post to your blog” on their lists, would we even be reading this list from a blog in the first place?

Merlin Mann's picture

But just think, if everyone...

But just think, if everyone had “Do not post to your blog” on their lists, would we even be reading this list from a blog in the first place?

Depends. If the project at hand is “posting to blog,” then you’re right on task, right? :)

I look at the list as a way to catch yourself farting around when you should be doing something else; not as prohibition against everything you enjoy.

Travis Owens's picture

Techincially organizing your spice rack...

Techincially organizing your spice rack would take less than 2 minutes and under the GTD mindset, makes it a task that should be done immediately.

Therefore it does not belong on this list, it’s a productive task with minimal effort and maximum results.

Trejkaz's picture

Hmm, I dunno. Having...

Hmm, I dunno. Having a spice rack organised doesn’t make it any more efficient to complete your project, unless your project involves cooking.

Maryann Devine's picture

I read an interview with...

I read an interview with some business guru that the really important list is your “stop doing” list. For me, it feels easier to eliminate the small, procrastination-enabling stuff than the projects & tasks that are not high-priority, but also don’t fall into the class of organizing the spice rack.

Is there a PC Doctor in the house?'s picture

The Not-To-Do-List I cant believe how...

The Not-To-Do-List

I cant believe how many of these items on the NOT to do list (a list of things NOT to do when you should be doing something else or something better) are computer related! Must be why I feel like I have no spare time sometimes! I would have a…

About Merlin Mann

Merlin Mann's picture

Bio

Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He’s best known for being the guy who started the website you’re reading right now. He lives in San Francisco, does lots of public speaking, and helps make cool things like You Look Nice Today. Also? He looks like this, answers questions, and has something like a life.

Merlin’s favorite thing he’s written recently is a short essay called, “Better.”

 
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The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

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