Oftentimes, the little things we choose not to do are what help us ultimately accomplish the most important tasks.

Oftentimes, the little things we choose not to do are what help us ultimately accomplish the most important tasks.

via Thrive Global by Marina Khidekel

When we talk about productivity, we typically lean into tips and tricks that help us cross everything off our to-do lists. But oftentimes, the little things we don’t do are what help us ultimately accomplish the most important tasks. 

We asked our Thrive community to share with us the things they don’t do that helps them get the important things done. Which of these will you give up?

Checking email in the morning

“I no longer check email as my first task of the day. I find that it is an instant focus killer, as reading email sweeps your mind off course. Instead, I use the first hour of my working day to plan, read, or review something that is important for me to progress. It makes a huge difference to my productivity and has an impact that lasts throughout the day.”

—Beverly Landais, certified coach, Tunbridge Wells, U.K.

Always saying yes

“One thing I don’t do to help me get important tasks done is say ‘yes’ to everything. I don’t overschedule, and I know how to place the items into my schedule. For example, I know that if a task is related to my writing, I do it best before 5:00 p.m. I also know if it is an interview or something related to my outreach, I only do those things three or four times per week. If it relates to coaching, I accept less than a handful of new clients a month. This helps me stay organized and productive.”

—Kristin Meekhof, author and wellness coach, Royal Oak, MI

Overcrowding our calendars

“I purposefully do not over-schedule my time. I plan my workweek with appointments and commitments first, then add high-level tasks. I do not fill up every 15-minute segment with a task or a to-do. Everything always takes more time than you think it will. And, having this space on my schedule gives me mental breathing room to avoid panic and anxiety or feeling hurried and harried, which interferes with tackling the important tasks. 

—Francine Tone, appellate attorney, CA

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