Years ago during the crush of the holiday season, I was trying to come up with a list of tasks necessary to accomplish, and I couldn't think of a single one that I needed to do, but I could conjure up MANY tasks that I DIDN'T want to do. So I wrote a 'Don't List':
'Don't build up unnecessary expectations'
'Don't accept that invite to a cookie exchange. You don't have time to bake.'
'Don't feel the need to buy a gift for someone you aren't close to'
And on and on that list went. I've repeated the lesson each holiday season since, especially if I start to feel the overwhelming pressure to make any aspect of it perfect. I have also created 'Done' lists and they lift my spirits and motivation far more than anything else.
Oh my goodness -- please write an essay on your Don't List -- I want to read it. One thing I put on mine (although I never actually wrote anything down) -- NEVER accept invitations to parties where you are expected to buy things.
Last year, I put together a list of all I had achieved in 2023 creatively. It was a full A4 page and I have it pinned in the office where I can see it daily 🧡
I won’t lie, I frequently partake in adding things I’ve already done to my to-do list just to get that feeling of “oh look at all I’ve done” … glass half full situation!
Years ago during the crush of the holiday season, I was trying to come up with a list of tasks necessary to accomplish, and I couldn't think of a single one that I needed to do, but I could conjure up MANY tasks that I DIDN'T want to do. So I wrote a 'Don't List':
'Don't build up unnecessary expectations'
'Don't accept that invite to a cookie exchange. You don't have time to bake.'
'Don't feel the need to buy a gift for someone you aren't close to'
And on and on that list went. I've repeated the lesson each holiday season since, especially if I start to feel the overwhelming pressure to make any aspect of it perfect. I have also created 'Done' lists and they lift my spirits and motivation far more than anything else.
Oh my goodness -- please write an essay on your Don't List -- I want to read it. One thing I put on mine (although I never actually wrote anything down) -- NEVER accept invitations to parties where you are expected to buy things.
I think a post on it could be a good one, closer to the holidays. Thanks for the inspiration!
Ah yes the NOT TO DO list is also great! Keeps things clear a d sets boundaries doesn't it?
Last year, I put together a list of all I had achieved in 2023 creatively. It was a full A4 page and I have it pinned in the office where I can see it daily 🧡
Lovely way of celebrating your DONE list!
I love this! Yes. I need the sense of accomplishment.
I call it my "ta da" list -- something I celebrate every week with a "What Went Right" journal entry. It's a wonderful thing to look back on.
It is indeed wonderful!
I won’t lie, I frequently partake in adding things I’ve already done to my to-do list just to get that feeling of “oh look at all I’ve done” … glass half full situation!
Haha! Good idea!
And isn’t there a story in there? Building from the TO DO, DONE and DO NOT lists. Especially fabulous if it were built from your actual lists 😁
So true!