Try Putting "Not" in front of your "To Do" List

Entrepreneurs and leaders are doers.  They tend to focus on getting things accomplished. Doing as many things as quick as possible.  My guess is that if you are a Visit With Joe blog reader, you are this type of person.

If so, then I've got something for you to add to your To-Do List.  Here it is:

Stop doing something.  

I’m not talking about a bad habit like smoking.  I’m talking about something that seems good in theory, but it just doesn’t seem to work or takes too much effort to make it work.  Maybe it works, but not really well.

Sometimes we waste time on good ideas with good intentions.  But when we really look at the results we are getting, it’s simply not an effective or efficient use of resources.

Here's a very simple, broad example:  Your home land-line telephone.  My guess is that most of you don't have one anymore.  It took me moving to a new house to give mine up, and when I did, I didn't miss it at all. 

Here is a list of categories to help you identify something to give up.

• Time Wasters: Take a hard look at activities that take regular time. This might include work projects, or it might be something that wastes company time. Be honest with yourself about how your time could be better spent.
• Commitments: Some regular commitments may have run their course. Perhaps it is time to let them go, so you can use your time for something new.
• People: One of the most important things you can do is to spend less time with people who take too much of your time relative to your priorities.
• Priorities: Do you waste time getting bogged down in details and “sweating the small stuff”?  We all find ourselves doing this occasionally.  Step back and think about it.

I once heard someone say that the most powerful force in business is inertia.  That might be true.  We keep doing things that are already set in motion to do.  Frequently we keep doing them without giving them much thought.

Analyze yourself professionally.  Is there something you are doing that simply isn't giving you the bang for the buck?  Is it costing you time, money, or both that can better be spent elsewhere?

In summary:  Put it on your list to take something off your list.  When you do, you are going to feel a slight burden lifted off your shoulders.

One final thought:  You might have an idea of something to give up, but you aren't sure about it.  In that case, tell yourself to give it up for a temporary period.  Then you can evaluate it later with more confidence.