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The _Not_-To-Do-List
Merlin Mann | Sep 19 2005
I suspect Jeffrey’s Not-To-Do list could use a place over most of our desks some days. A few I particularly liked:
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”. 8 Comments
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![]() I have no respect for...Submitted by RickP in AZ (not verified) on September 19, 2005 - 8:06am.
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! »
![]() Guilty on four counts. :(...Submitted by Jack (not verified) on September 19, 2005 - 1:50pm.
Guilty on four counts. :( »
![]() But just think, if everyone...Submitted by Trejkaz (not verified) on September 19, 2005 - 4:33pm.
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? »
But just think, if everyone...Submitted by Merlin Mann on September 19, 2005 - 4:39pm.
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. »
![]() Techincially organizing your spice rack...Submitted by Travis Owens (not verified) on September 20, 2005 - 8:38am.
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. »
![]() Hmm, I dunno. Having...Submitted by Trejkaz (not verified) on September 20, 2005 - 12:33pm.
Hmm, I dunno. Having a spice rack organised doesn’t make it any more efficient to complete your project, unless your project involves cooking. »
![]() I read an interview with...Submitted by Maryann Devine (not verified) on September 24, 2005 - 3:45am.
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. »
![]() The Not-To-Do-List I cant believe how...Submitted by Is there a PC Doctor in the house? (not verified) on September 19, 2005 - 7:45am.
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 MannBio 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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