The Power of a NOT-To-Do List: A Game-Changer for Women Entrepreneurs

Every day, we take score—consciously or unconsciously.

At some point, often as we’re lying in bed attempting to sleep, we decide whether we did enough that day. But here’s the catch: how are we keeping score?

Most of the time, we base our evaluation on the last few things we did or some standout moment. But the truth is, we accomplish so much each day—much of it goes unnoticed. And yet, we still feel like we’re failing because our to-do lists are endless, and we don’t know the rules of this “game” we’re playing.

Does this sound familiar?

For me, this realization was a game-changer. A couple of years ago, I was staring at my overwhelming to-do list when it hit me: if I want to focus on what matters, I have to choose NOT to do some things.

The Solution: A NOT-To-Do List

If you’re like most women entrepreneurs, your to-do list feels like a constant chorus of, “Do me! Do me!” It’s exhausting. By the end of the day, we carry the guilt of all the unchecked boxes, even if we’ve done plenty.

Enter the NOT-To-Do List.

This simple yet powerful tool lets you:

Deliberately decide what you won’t do that day.
Free yourself from the weight of unrealistic expectations.
Focus on what truly matters without guilt.

By choosing what not to do upfront, you can create more breathing space in your day.

Why Women Entrepreneurs Need a NOT-To-Do List

For years, I battled with being overly busy and overpromising. It’s a struggle many women in business face—we feel the need to prove ourselves, to say “yes” to everything, and to juggle endless priorities.

But here’s the truth: being busy doesn’t equal being productive.

Having a NOT-To-Do List has helped me:

Avoid overcommitting.
Deliver higher-quality work.
Find peace of mind in my daily routines.

It’s been a productivity system that lightens my load and empowers me to focus on what truly matters.

How to Create a Daily NOT-To-Do List

Ready to try it? Here’s how you can start:

Morning Brainstorm: Write down everything you could do that day—get it all out of your head.
Separate the Lists: Create two lists: a to-do list and a NOT-To-Do List.
Commit Fully: Focus only on the items on your to-do list, guilt-free.
Give Yourself Permission: Let go of the rest—it’s a deliberate choice, not a failure.

Start small by identifying just one thing for your NOT-To-Do List each day. Over time, this habit will help you design a winnable game for your day and boost your productivity.

The Bigger Picture: Setting Quarterly Goals

To truly master this approach, it’s essential to set clear goals and projects for each quarter. Why? Because knowing what’s important helps you decide what’s NOT.

When you’re clear on your top priorities, your NOT-To-Do List becomes a powerful tool for staying focused and productive.

Want Help Designing Your 90-Day Plan?

If you’re ready to make the next 90 days your most productive and prosperous yet, let’s work together.

Join The Momentum Squad and get:

Two private 1:1 coaching sessions to map out your 90-day plan.
Three custom metrics to track your progress and stay on target.
Weekly strategic mastermind sessions via Zoom with an incredible community of women entrepreneurs.
A stunning 90-day planner delivered to your door to help you stay organized and focused.

👉🏼 Click here to join The Momentum Squad today and let’s create your roadmap for success.

Start Lightening Your Load Today

The NOT-To-Do List has been a game-changer for me, and I know it can transform your day too. By choosing what not to do, you’ll make room for greatness in your business and your life.

Let me help you simplify, focus, and thrive.

Here’s to unstoppable momentum,
The Get It Done Diva,
Marianne Emma Jeff

And remember: Greatness is a Habit, NOT a Hustle!