I'm gonna guess that you are probably wasting at least 30% of your time on tasks that don't actually move your business forward. I know that sounds harsh, but stick with me because what I'm about to share could be the productivity breakthrough that you've been searching for. Hi, I'm Cindy Gordon, a self-made entrepreneur, busy mom and execution coach. I built and sold multiple digital businesses ranging from five to six figure successes, and i've learned that successful entrepreneurs don't just focus on what they need to do. They are crystal clear about what they need to stop doing. So when it comes to managing your time and priorities in both life and business, I get it. And I've been there, and the next six minutes I'm breaking down exactly why you need a not to-do list as an entrepreneur and how to create one that actually protects your time and energy. If you would like to get tips and tricks plus weekly productivity strategies, make sure that you are on my email list. There is a link in the show notes to sign up. Here's what I've noticed with so many entrepreneurs that I work with. You have endless to-do lists, color-coded planners, productivity apps, sticky notes everywhere, but somehow you're still overwhelmed, still behind, and still not making the progress you want in your business. It's not because you're not working hard enough. It's because your to-do list is filled with tasks that waste your time as a business owner. Tasks that feel productive, but don't actually move the needle in your business. These tasks, they keep you busy, but not profitable. Tasks that someone else probably could be doing or shouldn't be done at all. When everything on your to-do list feels urgent, you need a not to-do list to reveal what's actually not urgent. We are wired to equate busyness with productivity. Your brain gets a little hit of dopamine every time you check something off a list, even if that thing doesn't matter at all. So you end up prioritizing tasks based on how good they'll feel to complete and not whether they actually grow your business. Plus, as entrepreneurs, we often fall into the trap of thinking we need to do everything by ourselves. We convince ourselves that tasks are urgent when they're really just familiar. We stay in our comfort zone of admin work because it feels safer than the strategic needle moving work that actually creates results. The result of this, you're exhausted from doing 100 things that didn't matter while the three things that would transform your business stay on the back burner. So let's fix this with a reality check approach to creating your not to-do list. This is rooted in my reality check method, and it works because it forces you to see what's actually happening, not what you wish was happening. Start with a brain dom of everything you did last week. Not what you planned to do, but what you actually spent time on. Write it all down. Every meeting, every task, every project. Get honest about where your time really went. Then take that list and ask yourself three questions for each item. Does this directly generate revenue or serve my clients? Is this something only I can do? Does this align with my business goals for this quarter? If the answer to all three questions is a no, then that task goes on your not to do list. Then here's where it gets powerful. Identify what to eliminate, automate, or delegate. Some tasks need to be eliminated completely. They're just not worth doing. Some tasks can be automated with the right tools or systems, and some need to be delegated to a team member, contractor, or virtual assistant. Creating your not to-do list is the easy part, actually sticking to it. That's where most entrepreneurs struggle. So here's how to make it stick. When someone asks you to do something or you're tempted to add a new task, pause and ask yourself, is this on my not to-do list? You'd be amazed how often the answer is yes. That pause gives you the permission to say no Second. Build this into your weekly planning routine every Sunday or Monday, review your not to-do list before you create your to-do list. This keeps you from falling back into old patterns and filling your calendar with busy work. And here's what to do when resistance shows up. Your brain will try to convince you that you should do all these tasks, that you are being lazy or irresponsible by not doing them. That's just fear talking my friend. Remind yourself what successful entrepreneurs don't do is just as important as what they do. Your to-do list isn't about being lazy or doing less work. It's about being strategic with your time and energy so you can focus on the tasks that will actually grow your business. When everything feels urgent, your not to-do list becomes the most powerful productivity tool. And if you want more daily reminders to stay focused on what truly matters, follow me on Instagram at exclusively, Cindy. Now go create your not to do list. I want you to brand them everything you did last week. Ask those three questions and identify at least five tasks to eliminate, automate, or delegate. And remember, you've got this.

Thanks for spending these few minutes with me today. Remember, overwhelm isn't permanent. It's simply your brain's way of saying pause and take a little reality check. If this was helpful, you'll love my weekly email tips where I share the systems that keep me and hundreds of other entrepreneurs on Track Link in the show notes. If you got value in today's episode, please share it with another entrepreneur who needs that reminder. If you're loving the show, I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a quick review. It helps other overwhelmed entrepreneurs find us. Make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss your weekly dose of clarity. For more resources and to connect with me, visit exclusively cindy.com. Until next time, remember you've got this.