Not-To-Do List
A deliberate practice of maintaining a list of activities you refuse to do because they distract from important tasks. By explicitly defining and eliminating known time-wasters, this technique helps protect focus and prevent attention drains.
Last updated: 2026-04-04 22:53
Overview
The Not-To-Do List is a productivity technique that flips the traditional to-do list by cataloging the activities you intentionally avoid.
Purpose
This list includes all activities you won't do because they are big distractions that prevent you from doing important things. Common entries might include checking social media during work hours, responding to non-urgent emails immediately, attending meetings without clear agendas, or taking on low-value tasks.
How to Use
- Identify activities that consistently derail your productivity
- Write them on your Not-To-Do List as explicit rules
- Review the list regularly and hold yourself accountable
- Update the list when you discover new time-wasters
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10 Minute Task
A time management technique where every task on your to-do list should be broken down so that it takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. If a task would take longer, it must be subdivided into smaller, more manageable pieces. This approach prevents procrastination by making every task feel achievable.
10 Minutes Technique
A task-start strategy where you commit to just 10 minutes of effort on a selected task, after which you can stop if you want. The psychological trick is that once you begin, you usually won't want to quit, overcoming initial resistance and procrastination.
112/26 Rule
An extended productivity technique similar to the 52/17 rule, where you work for 112 minutes followed by a 26-minute break. This longer interval is suggested for tasks requiring sustained deep focus and complex problem-solving.