The “Do Less” List: A Daily Practice That Boosts Clarity

We’ve all got a to-do list that seems to multiply the moment we look away. But what if you took a different approach? What if you started focusing on the things you don’t need to do?

The "Do Less" List isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about being strategic—about working smarter, not harder. Let’s break down why this works and how you can apply it to your own routine.

Step 1: The “Do Less” Mindset

Before diving into the specifics of your daily routine, let’s take a second to reframe your mindset.

Our society loves hustle culture. We’re conditioned to believe that more is better. But here’s the kicker: working harder doesn’t always mean you’re working better. In fact, doing too much can lead to burnout, stress, and poor decision-making.

By creating a “Do Less” List, you’re giving yourself permission to focus on what truly moves the needle. It’s about quality over quantity. It’s about finding clarity in simplicity.

Step 2: Start by Creating a “Not-to-Do” List

Before you can embrace the "Do Less" mindset, start by identifying the things you shouldn’t be doing. Your “Not-to-Do” list is just as important as your to-do list.

Examples:

• Say no to non-essential meetings: If it doesn’t require your direct involvement, skip it.
• Stop checking emails obsessively: Email is a tool, not a taskmaster.
• Ditch low-priority tasks: Ask yourself, “What will have the biggest impact on my work today?”
• Let go of perfectionism: You don’t need everything to be flawless. Done is better than perfect.

This list isn’t about avoidance—it’s about prioritizing what matters and freeing yourself from distractions.

Step 3: Set Intentional Boundaries Around Time

One of the biggest traps we fall into is not protecting our time. We often say “yes” to things without considering how they affect our energy and productivity. This leads to overwhelmed schedules and scattered focus.

To create a “Do Less” list, begin by setting intentional boundaries around your time:

• Block off time for deep work: This is when you focus solely on your most important tasks. Protect it like it’s gold.
• Limit meetings: Block off “no meeting” hours or days.
• Give yourself permission to take breaks: Real breaks. Not just checking email while eating lunch.

By intentionally limiting the amount of time you spend on certain activities, you can focus on what really needs to get done.

Step 4: Prioritize Like a Pro

It’s tempting to try to do everything, but doing everything is a sure-fire way to burn out. Instead, try the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle). This principle suggests that 20% of your tasks will account for 80% of your results.

Look at your to-do list and ask yourself:

• Which 20% of tasks are driving the most value?
• What can be eliminated or delegated to someone else?
• What can be simplified?

By identifying the tasks that truly matter, you free up space for high-value work that will have the most impact.

Step 5: Create a “Done” List to Celebrate Small Wins

Instead of focusing solely on what you haven’t accomplished, create a “Done” list. This list highlights what you’ve already completed, helping you recognize your progress and achievements.

You don’t need to wait for a big milestone to celebrate. Every small task you complete is a win. Take a moment to acknowledge these accomplishments—it’ll help you feel accomplished and motivated to keep going.

Step 6: Let Go of Guilt

This is key—when you start doing less, you might feel guilty. Society tells us we should always be doing something, always hustling. But here’s the thing: you are still valuable and productive even if you’re not constantly on the go.

Letting go of guilt around taking breaks, delegating tasks, or saying no is essential for long-term well-being. You are not a machine. You are a person, and your energy is limited. It’s okay to do less and focus on quality instead of quantity.

Step 7: Embrace the Power of Rest

If you want to work smarter, not harder, rest is non-negotiable. Your brain needs time to recharge in order to stay creative, focused, and effective. And here’s the kicker: rest is part of the work.

You’re not being lazy by resting. You’re investing in your future productivity. So schedule rest and recovery time, just like you would a meeting or a task. Make it a priority.

Step 8: The “Do Less” Practice in Action

Now that you’ve got the theory down, let’s put it into practice. Here's how to start incorporating the "Do Less" list into your routine:

1. At the beginning of each day: Ask yourself, “What are the most important things I can do today? What can I ignore or push off?”
2. During the day: When new tasks pop up, ask, “Is this truly important? Can someone else do it? Should I delegate or say no?”
3. At the end of each day: Reflect on your “Done” list and celebrate the progress you’ve made, instead of focusing on what’s left.

By regularly practicing the “Do Less” list, you’ll start to feel more clarity and control over your workload. You’ll also reduce the mental clutter that comes with trying to do everything.

Less Is More—and It’s a Game Changer

The “Do Less” List isn’t about being lazy or cutting corners. It’s about being intentional with your time and energy. When you focus on what really matters and stop spreading yourself thin, you’ll accomplish more—not by doing everything, but by doing the right things.

Start small. Choose one thing you can eliminate or delegate today. Your brain will thank you.