I am a list maker.
Grocery lists, to-do lists, and sometimes even to-don’t lists.
To-don’t lists? Yes, to-don’t lists.
I had a boss, once upon a time, that had our team make a list of all of the things we were working on that didn’t bring value to our business or to our customers. We called this our STOP DOING LIST. Eventually we phased out the initiatives that were on this list in order to focus on the ones that were making a difference.
Every once in a while I borrow the STOP DOING LIST concept (also known as the to-don’t list) and apply it to my fitness and nutrition goals.
Here are 3 of the things on my To-Don’t List right now…
- Stress eating
- Comparing myself to others
- Over-training
Once I get everything on this list checked off, I’ll have more time and positive energy to put toward conquering all of the things clearly mapped out on my ultimate to-do list.
Are you doing things that are keeping you from reaching your goals? Then maybe, just maybe, this to-don’t exercise will be a good workout for you to-do, too.
Now I really must go, if you need me just drop me an email, my number is the only thing I keep un-listed.
lindsay says:
September 21st 2010I think I need t work my my to-don’t list, its kinda getting long. :)
Jessica@HowSweet says:
September 21st 2010I should definitely make one of these lists!
The Candid RD says:
September 21st 2010I definitely have to-don’t lists!! My last one included “do not think too much about the future, try to live in the moment”, and “don’t have more caffeine than I really need!”. I am still trying to cut down my intake, but I’m come very far and I can’t wait to take this one off my to-don’t list!
amanda says:
September 21st 2010I am a huge list person. I don’t have a “don’t list” probably because it would contain to many things. Your list you made however would highlight some of my things I need to work on. I recently made a “me” book and I am trying to look at things in a more positive light.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
September 21st 2010Ahhh, I need to make a to-don’t list!! I’m staring at my to-DO list right now…I should put that on there, ha!
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
September 21st 2010Love this idea Joanna! I need to adopt that & start with “stop comparing myself to others”. Thx!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
September 21st 2010I’m a big list-maker, too. And the second one–comparing myself to others–definitely needs to be in the top slot of my to-don’t list!
Kerri O says:
September 21st 2010Great concept, I think i need a to-don’t list.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says:
September 21st 2010I love a good list ;-) I definitely am bad about comparing myself to others (must stop reading Oxygen & Muscle & Fitness Hers) in terms of lifting, but also in terms of dress. I start 2nd guessing what I have one all the time silly.
sian-GirlGetStrong says:
September 21st 2010Great idea..I am a total list maker…I like to make them all positive like….I am strong and fit and fine….lol
carrie says:
September 21st 2010i LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE paper work.
april says:
September 21st 2010Good idea! I’m an agenda gal with all my “to dos”.. I like the idea of “to dont’s”!
Sophia says:
September 21st 2010If I had a list like this, the number 1 thing on it would be eating at night. It’s a terrible habit, and one that I still struggle with. Awesome post :)
~Sophia
Fit&FabLiving
Kevin says:
September 21st 2010That’s a great idea…especially if you work from home, easy to get distracted doing less productive things and eat too often!
Naomi(onefitfoodie) says:
September 21st 2010ahh im so bad at making lists! love those notepads!!
FatFighterTV says:
September 21st 2010What a great idea. I could use this for a few other things in my life besides fitness. Better go get crackin’…
Satu says:
September 26th 2010Oh, I want my own to dont list too! :-)
My list would have at least “Don’t diet” on and the “Don’t compare yourself to others” you mentioned. Maybe also “Stop thinking in black and white”…