We all have a number of things we do that we wish we didn’t, whether it’s a bad habit or poor behaviour. It’s tough to say no to others, but it’s even harder when you have to constantly say it to yourself. A “stop doing” list can help.
Business writer Jim Collins explains:
Suppose you woke up tomorrow and received two phone calls. The first phone call tells you that you have inherited $US20 million, no strings attached. The second tells you that you have an incurable and terminal disease, and you have no more than 10 years to live. What would you do differently, and, in particular, what would you stop doing?
That assignment became a turning point in my life, and the “stop doing” list became an enduring cornerstone of my annual New Year resolutions – a mechanism for disciplined thought about how to allocate the most precious of all resources: time.
Whether you’re saying no to yourself or someone else, the “stop doing” list provides a framework for better decision-making. Not sure whether you should help someone or take a job or eat that delicious cupcake? Consult your list and find your answer.
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