3 Reasons Why You Need A ‘To-Don’t’ List To Make Career Progress

When you want to make career progress, you probably start thinking of all the things you need to do:

• Take on additional responsibilities.
• Seek more education.
• Add new skill sets.

And while all those things are valid, there’s also tremendous value in knowing what?not?to do.

Instead of a career “to-do” list, try making a “to-don’t” list.

“To-don’ts” are things and people that zap your energy, prevent or stagnate your progress, and are out of alignment with your goals. And like “to-do’s,” they play a crucial role in whether or not you advance professionally.

Science backs this up, telling us that the key to being more professionally productive and happy may be doing less. In his book,?Your Brain at Work , David Rock found that we’re truly focused on our work for six hours per week—only 15% of the typical 40-hour workweek. To transform that remaining 85%, you need to stop doing the things that are energy drainers and make you feel busy but aren’t getting you results.

Enter your career ‘to-don’t list. Here are three reasons why you need one:

1. It helps you stay focused on what matters most

Having clarity on your goals is one thing; staying focused on them is another. With that in mind, you can create a to-don’t list that includes things like, “Don’t scatter your efforts,” a reminder to return to what matters most and those things that will help you achieve them. Anything of lesser importance can slide down or entirely off your priority list.

2. It reminds you to put your talents to their highest and best use.

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. With a “to don’t” list in place that includes something like, “Don’t do tasks others can do for you,” you won’t think twice about using your precious time on high-level, strategic needle-movers. By delegating or outsourcing lower-level tasks and activities to someone else, you’ll be free to put your talents to their highest and best use.

3. It prevents you from engaging in unproductive and draining things.

If you’re ambitious, it’s tempting to do ALL the things. And if you’re eager to get ahead, you may be inclined to say yes to everyone. But being busy is not the same as being productive, and having no boundaries can deplete your valuable time and energy. Fortunately, your “to don’t” list can help you stay on track.

Your “to-don’ts” might include “Stop doing tasks or spending time with people who drain your energy” or “Don’t engage in activities that waste your time.” Of course, by adhering to your list, you’ll also have to learn to say no to the things and people who no longer serve you or your goals. But the beauty in saying no to those unproductive and draining elements is that it will prevent you from engaging in those time wasters, freeing you up to engage in productive and energizing activities.

Remember, the key to making career progress isn’t doing more; it’s doing more of the right things. And by creating a “to-don’t” list, you’ll be sure to stay focused on them.

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