As we enter a new year, many of us instinctively jot down ambitious resolutions and endless to-do lists. While these lists offer direction, they can often become overwhelming and unsustainable.
Over the years, I have listed things like waking up at 5 a.m., having more prayer time, losing weight, publishing my book, and saving all the stray dogs in the world!
But let’s face
it—most of us return to our grinds by mid-year and then wonder if making a list
ever works.
How about leaving behind our To-Do List that looks more like a superhero training manual than realistic goals to focus on a Not-To-Do List?
A Not-To-Do List isn’t about being lazy or abandoning goals—it’s about being strategic and identifying little habits that quietly steal our time, energy, and sanity. It's a strategy of intentional elimination rather than mindless addition.
Perhaps, asking myself a simple question can help - What activities consumed my time but added little value?
Maybe it's excessive social media scrolling? Is it saying yes to every request, or overcommitting to projects out of guilt or fear of missing out?
Now, how about this list?
I will not say yes to every call, every invite, every social engagement nor commit out of obligation.
I will not sacrifice rest for productivity
I will not check my phone first thing in the morning or read emails in bed at midnight.
What's the difference? Just the addition of Not? Self-care with sass? A new stunt?
The beauty of this list is that it frees up space—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It removes unnecessary clutter creating room for what truly matters.
Meaningful work, deeper relationships, and personal growth. It helps
us set boundaries, teaches us to protect our priorities and say no without
guilt.
This isn’t about doing less for the sake of laziness; by
declaring what I won’t do, I am permitting myself to focus on what truly
matters. Spending time with family, pursuing a passion, or simply sitting on my
veranda staring at the sky.
And, the best part?
A Not-To-Do List is way easier to stick to than a To-Do
List. After all, not doing something requires little effort.
Didn’t scroll through social media until my thumb was cramped.
Congratulations, I just nailed my Not-To-Do List!
So, as we step into the New Year, let go of unrealistic expectations and try this reverse resolution.
A Not-To-Do List - who knows, 31.12.25 may surprise us at how much more intentional and fulfilling our year turned out to be.
Sometimes joy and fulfilment aren’t in doing more—it’s doing less but on purpose.
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BEAUTIFUL WORLD!!
