Setting Boundaries with a "To Don't" list

If you’re drowning in a busy schedule, it's time to hit pause and start setting boundaries with the mighty to-don't list.

Instead of adding more tasks to our already overflowing plates, a to-don’t list focuses on what not to do. It might seem counterintuitive at first but stick with me and I’ll show you what a powerful tool it can be for setting boundaries.

The to-don’t list identifies activities that waste your time, create distractions, or don't align with your priorities. Setting boundaries around these tasks frees up time and brain power so you can focus on what really matters to you.?

Here are five tips for how to create a to-don’t list and use it to its full potential.?

1.? Identifying Timewasters: Take a look at your daily schedule and identify activities that are distractions or are only wasting time. Some examples are excessive social media browsing, unnecessary meetings, or ineffective multitasking. Once you know what tasks aren’t helpful to you, you can actively avoid them.

2.? Setting Boundaries: For your to-don’t list to be effective, you need to establish clear parameters for yourself. For me, this means only checking my email twice a day and having a strict no-work policy during family time so I can focus on them.

3.? Communicating Your Boundaries: Simply setting boundaries isn’t enough. It’s essential to communicate your boundaries with others to ensure they understand and respect your choices.?

4. ? Hacking Yourself: Reinforce your to-don't list by establishing consequences or rewards for yourself. By linking positive incentives to avoiding certain tasks, you can stay motivated and committed to your boundaries.

5. ? Review and Adjust: Your to-don't list should not be static. Regularly review and adjust it to ensure it remains relevant to your goals. This also gives you time to reinforce those goals and habits which is necessary for long-term success.

Creating a to-don't list isn't just about simplifying our schedules—it's a profound act of self-care and intentionality.

Our boundaries aren’t restrictive; they are liberating, and help us find greater focus, productivity, and well-being.? So, if this episode has inspired you to make your own to-don’t list remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate your victories, and stay committed to the habits that serve you best.

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For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/