KEEPING A "STOP DOING" LIST

What would you do if you only had 30 days left on the planet?  I bet you would quickly assess what is important to you and determine how you would spend those thirty days.  What if that question was asked of you related to your work?  How would you spend your last thirty days as principal if that was all the time you had left?

I want to encourage you to consider thinking about what really IS important and how you spend your time right now.  What would you continue doing and what would you stop doing?  What would go on your "to do" list and what wouldn't make the list?  Are there things keeping you from accomplishing your "to do" list?  Might it be that some things really don't even belong on your list?   Hmmm.  Is it possible that there are things you are doing that maybe you should stop doing? Things that are taking up time?  Not bringing value? Failing to deliver the results you had hoped? If you answered yes to any of these questions, have you ever thought about creating a "stop doing" list?

What exactly is a "stop doing" list? 

A stop doing list is essentially a list of identified actions, behaviors, practices and even thoughts that are keeping you from accomplishing all that you desire to.  The things that go on a stop doing list can distract, divert, or totally expend your time, energy, and resources that could or should be used differently to help you achieve your goals.

Why create a stop doing list and what are the benefits?

Creating a stop doing list allows you to identify those things that are acting as holding forces and keeping you from best using your time, energy and resources.  Doing so helps clarify what is important to you, your organization, and your vision.  By identifying what's not working or helpful, you can eliminate or stop doing those actions or activities and gain valuable time and energy to focus elsewhere.

When is the right time to create a stop doing list?

I prefer to create my professional (leadership) stop doing list over the summer as I begin long range planning for the next school year.   I reflect on what worked that past year, consider how I can best (or better) spend my time which is my most valuable commodity, and align my list with my goals.  Invariably, I identify behaviors, actions and activities that I need to stop doing in order to improve the likelihood of achieving my identified goals for the year.  I work on my personal stop doing list at the beginning of each calendar year when I develop my vision board and goals for the year.

How many things go on a stop doing list?

I strongly encourage you to limit the number of items you put on your stop doing list.  Just like goal development, too many "to do" or "stop doing" priorities become overwhelming and may lead to failure.  I suggest limiting your stop doing list to 3-4 items and consciously and deliberately remain laser focused on stopping what you have identified.  After all, you put it on your stop doing list for a reason.

Successful leaders recognize that creating a stop doing list is just as, or perhaps even more, important that having to-do lists.   Everybody creates to-do lists.  Only the most successful leaders have stop doing lists. Stop doing things that you know are a waste of time and energy.  Focus instead on those things that move you toward success.

My professional stop doing list for 2022.  I will stop:

• Staying up too late reading work emails.  My favorite time of the day is dawn and I don't want to miss it!
• Spending an inordinate amount of time putting out fires caused by others.
• Trying to multi-task so much.  It simply is not effective nor does it produce the highest quality outcomes.