Give Up On Unnecessary Projects To Accomplish More

Give Up On Unnecessary Projects To Accomplish More

You probably have one major project that’s been on your to-do list for ages. Weeks, or even months, in fact. Here’s a productivity tip that should help: just drop it.

Photo by Spencer Wright

We’re conditioned to think that letting a project go is a failure. Saying “No” is hard, especially when it’s to ourselves. However, if there’s something you’ve been saying you want to work on for a long time, but you just can’t muster the motivation to do it, wipe it from your to-do list. All it’s doing there is making you feel guilty.

As your time coach for the day, I’m giving you full permission to stop telling yourself that you need more discipline. Start getting honest about what brings you joy and what is aligned with your priorities. Maybe you won’t totally reorganise your photos folder. Or redo your website. Instead of making your to-do list an exercise in guilt, waving the white flag can free up mental energy for the stuff you love to do, the stuff that really matters, and the stuff that moves your career forward.

The trick is, the projects you really want to work on have a way of getting back on your list. But reorganising your sock drawer isn’t something you’re going to miss. The process of deciding what to give up will help you determine where your passion truly lies. And, in the meantime, clearing up all those burdensome to-dos you don’t really care about may give you the time and the freedom you need to pursue what’s really important.

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