How many times have you heard someone say “I’ll add it to my list of things to do.” We all talk about the infamous “To Do List,” but we rarely address the things that are a complete time suck—things that should be included on a “Not To Do” list. It’s actually just as important to create a “Not To Do List” so we don’t get overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of not-to-do lists and how they can help you make the most of your time.

WHAT IS A NOT-TO-DO LIST?

A not-to-do list consists of tasks, activities, or habits that you consciously decide to avoid or eliminate from your routine. It's a strategic tool that helps you to prioritize and stay focused. Identifying and eliminating non-essential or low-value activities that can be distractions will actually help you be more effective. This proactive approach to time management allows you to create boundaries...

Does it feel a little cliche to pick out a “Word of the Year?” Yes. It does. But, I’m doing it anyway and you should too…. here’s why.

As an Advisor it is SO easy to get distracted by all the shiny, interesting things. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve laid out your perfect, well-crafted business plan… and then it happens. You hear a speaker drop some amazing knowledge at a conference and you get back to the office and add this idea to your business. Or maybe you jump on a mastermind call with some peers and an advisor friend shares a marketing strategy that has worked for her… and then you get back to work and add this idea to your business too. You essentially abandon that perfect, well-thought-out business plan because you get distracted by new and interesting ideas! 

Does that feel familiar? Or maybe even more familiar… these ideas just get half fleshed out,  added to a “to do list” and...

I know what it's like to be STUCK. 

Analysis paralysis. Shiny object syndrome. No time.

These are all reasons that financial advisors leave their best ideas–the ones that would make their business great–on the back burner. There is just so much going on ALL the time in your business that you know you want to do some important things… but there always seems to be something more pressing that needs your attention. 

Here’s a few common phrases I hear when I’m coaching Advisors:

“My website is garbage and I KNOW it needs to be updated… but I’ve been saying that for 3 years.”

“I’m finally making really good money and I know I need to put systems in place so I can maybe work a little smarter and not so hard… but finding the time to create the thing is next to impossible.”

Or, my personal favorite: “I blocked off an entire day to work on that… but I had to get a whole bunch of other...