When it comes to productivity, most of us obsess over our to-do lists. We pile on tasks, commitments, and meetings, hoping that checking more boxes will lead to better results. But here’s the truth: it’s not what you do that creates margin and meaning – it’s what you stop doing.
That’s the power of a Not-to-Do List.
Every “Yes” is Also a “No”
On the frontlines or behind the scenes, we often forget that saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else. A meeting that eats up an hour could have been an hour of creative work, connecting with a member, or even time to recharge. The real question isn’t “How much can I do?” but “Am I saying yes to what matters most for our members and our mission?”
Eliminate the Nonessentials
A Not-to-Do List is simply a running reminder of what no longer deserves your time and energy. Things that make you busy but not better. In a credit union, that often includes:
- Meetings without a clear purpose or decisions.
- Reports and paperwork that don’t drive outcomes and no one reads.
- Internal processes that exist “because we’ve always done it this way.”
- Saying “yes” to member requests or tasks that aren’t in their best interest – or ours.
Each of these steals focus from the work that matters.
Automate, Delegate, Ritualize
Cutting unnecessary work doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities. It means managing them smarter.
Ask yourself:
- Can this be automated?
- Can this be delegated?
- Can I create a new ritual that makes it easier to stay on track?
The goal isn’t empty time. The goal is margin – space for what drives results, relationships, and renewal.
Say Yes to Protect What Matters
Self-care isn’t about doing less just to escape. It’s about making intentional trade-offs. A Not-to-Do List acknowledges the reality of those trade-offs. By naming what is unimportant, we protect what is important – our best work, our health, and our ability to serve others with clarity.
Your Challenge
This week, don’t just write a to-do list. Create a Not-to-Do List. Be ruthless with what’s low-leverage, unimportant, or irrelevant. Then ask yourself: If I cut these things, what would that free me to do for our members, my team, and myself?
That’s where focus is found. That’s where impact begins.
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