Chris Guillebeau and “The To-Stop-Doing” List

When I opened my mailbox this morning, I’d received a copy of Chris Guillebeau’s “The Art of Nonconformity.” In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve known Chris for a few years and actually provided a quote of support for the book.

Chris is not your average business book writer.  He served as a volunteer for a medical charity in West Africa from 2002-2006, and after relocating to the U.S. and entering graduate school at the University of Washington, he began actively traveling to countries like Burma, Uganda, Iraq, and Pakistan.  Along the way, he has published a blog and several manifestos that aim to help people create passion-oriented lives while serving others. 

In “The Art of Nonconformity,” Chris provides several strategies for letting go of distractions and focusing on what’s really important.  The ever-practical me particularly enjoyed the idea of the “The To-Stop-Doing" List.  Says Chris:“An important principle of life planning is that you can have anything you want, but you can’t have everything at the same time.  To be able to devote most of your time to projects and activities you enjoy, you’ll need to be forceful about dropping a lot of other activities.  A to-stop-doing list is better than a to-do list because it helps you see what’s bringing you down.  Your 'to-stop-doing' list is exactly what it sounds like: a list of things you simply don’t want to do anymore.” So how do you create one?

• Think about tasks that drain your energy without contributing to anything worthwhile.
• Come up with a list of at least 3-5 things you currently do that suck your time and keep your focus away from more important tasks.
• Consider whether leaving these tasks undone or removing them from your weekly activities will result in negative repercussions, and if you will be able to cope with those repercussions.

As a result of making my own “to-stop-doing” list, I decided to outsource my housecleaning and exercise at home on busy days instead of forcing myself to spend 2 hours on the whole gym experience.  I also came to the conclusion – and this hurt a little – that I simply can’t respond to every e-mail I receive.

What’s on your list?

Comments

[Karen F.]

I know I have to stop sweating the small stuff, which believe it or not, can really eat up my hours! I've also had to learn to stop berating myself for my shortcomings...I'm doing most of the work by myself and it is so easy to fall into that trap, especially when you are dealing with an irate or impatient client.

Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments or violent reactions)

[Chris Guillebeau]

Hey Alexandra! Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm looking forward to the best Book Tour stop ever with you in Chicago.

Yours in World Domination,

cg

[KO]

That is a great concept. I started a blog in May, and its about seeing how many changes I can make to my life in 365 days. I just wrote a blog about the evil 'to do' list. Maybe I should mention this concept. I'd love to outsource my housework too. In fact, when I make a bit more money, I am definitely going to, even if it is only once every two weeks.

I think we all have stuff we don't love, or excel at, and it makes sense to stop beating ourselves up about not being superheroes. Find somebody to do the stuff you don't love. You'll feel better. I feel better just thinking about it!

I'd appreciate it if you visited my blog and left some supportive comments.

www.kayohisokay.com/blog

Have a great day.

[Alexandra Levit]

@KO: Sounds very interesting. I hope it does very well!

@Chris: Me too! I delight in your success!

@Karen: Sounds like two things I need to work on as well. You are a kindred spirit!