The Don’t Do List: Making Priorities a Priority

On any given day, regardless of season, my ‘to do’ list is as long a hot summer day in Texas (and let me tell you—especially, this summer—that’s really long).

Before last Thursday I would have told you that everything on my list from the trivial to the important had to be done. Unfortunately, the never-ending stream of tasks, errands and commitments that I allowed to fill my planner left little room for what truly mattered—the pursuit of my highest calling.

The realization that my number one priority (beyond caring for my family) was nowhere listed on my to do list hit me like a two-ton truck speeding down Central Expressway. My epiphany followed a question that came to me like this:

“Ellen, what are you doing today that will contribute toward a lasting legacy? Will any of the things on your list last beyond today, this week, this month?”

Convicted, I answered “Um. No, not exactly”, and in less than fifteen minutes my priorities, for the next fifteen months, fell into place. I created a “Don’t Do” list in order to focus on what truly counts.

So, what’s on your to do list? Does it include your greatest aspirations and daily steps to achieving your dreams? How much of what is on your list aligns with your purpose?

Now the fun part: What can you eliminate in order to devote more to time to what you were created to do? I hope you’ll give it some thought because I think it’s safe to say, your true calling is unlikely to be found on anyone else’s list.