---
title: "Book Brew 37: Lists are Fun"
description: Discover the power of lists for productivity in this Book Brew post. Learn about the Done for the Day and Not To Do lists to enhance your time management skills.
image: https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Mindful%20Musings.jpg
---

[![Thoughts Brewing Logo](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png?width=200&height=600&name=Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png "Thoughts Brewing Logo")](https://www.thoughtsbrewing.com/)

Search toggle

- [Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/home)
- [About](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
  
  About

    - [About Us](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
    - [FAQs](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/faqs)
- [Blog](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
  
  Blog

    - [Blog Subscription](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/blog-subscription)
    - [Ask A Question](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/ask-us-anything-business-tech)
    - [Blog Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
    - [AI Articles](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai)
    - [Articles by Damien](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/damien)
    - [Articles by Danielle](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle)
- [AI Training/Courses](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/courses)
  
  AI Training/Courses

    - [Next-Level AI Workshops](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/next-level-ai-workshops)
    - [Free ChatGPT Email Course](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/chatgpt-kickstarter-email-course)
    - [Request a YouTube Video](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/youtube-video-request-page)
    - [AI Quick Tips](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai-quick-tips)
    - [Writing Style Guide Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/writing-style-guide-template)
    - [Human + AI Playbook Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/human-ai-playbook)
    - [NotebookLM Masterclass](https://maven.com/thoughts-brewing-llc/learn-notebooklm-in-a-weekend-2-cohort)
- [Fractional COO/CTO Services](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/fractional-coo/cto-services)
- [Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

[Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

[![Thoughts Brewing Logo](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png?width=200&height=600&name=Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png "Thoughts Brewing Logo")](https://www.thoughtsbrewing.com/)

- [Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/home)
- [About](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
  
  About

    - [About Us](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
    - [FAQs](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/faqs)
- [Blog](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
  
  Blog

    - [Blog Subscription](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/blog-subscription)
    - [Ask A Question](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/ask-us-anything-business-tech)
    - [Blog Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
    - [AI Articles](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai)
    - [Articles by Damien](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/damien)
    - [Articles by Danielle](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle)
- [AI Training/Courses](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/courses)
  
  AI Training/Courses

    - [Next-Level AI Workshops](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/next-level-ai-workshops)
    - [Free ChatGPT Email Course](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/chatgpt-kickstarter-email-course)
    - [Request a YouTube Video](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/youtube-video-request-page)
    - [AI Quick Tips](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai-quick-tips)
    - [Writing Style Guide Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/writing-style-guide-template)
    - [Human + AI Playbook Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/human-ai-playbook)
    - [NotebookLM Masterclass](https://maven.com/thoughts-brewing-llc/learn-notebooklm-in-a-weekend-2-cohort)
- [Fractional COO/CTO Services](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/fractional-coo/cto-services)
- [Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

[![Thoughts Brewing Logo](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png?width=200&height=600&name=Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png "Thoughts Brewing Logo")](https://www.thoughtsbrewing.com/)

Search toggle

[Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

- [Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/home)
- [About](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
  
  About

    - [About Us](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
    - [FAQs](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/faqs)
- [Blog](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
  
  Blog

    - [Blog Subscription](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/blog-subscription)
    - [Ask A Question](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/ask-us-anything-business-tech)
    - [Blog Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
    - [AI Articles](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai)
    - [Articles by Damien](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/damien)
    - [Articles by Danielle](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle)
- [AI Training/Courses](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/courses)
  
  AI Training/Courses

    - [Next-Level AI Workshops](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/next-level-ai-workshops)
    - [Free ChatGPT Email Course](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/chatgpt-kickstarter-email-course)
    - [Request a YouTube Video](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/youtube-video-request-page)
    - [AI Quick Tips](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/ai-quick-tips)
    - [Writing Style Guide Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/writing-style-guide-template)
    - [Human + AI Playbook Template](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/human-ai-playbook)
    - [NotebookLM Masterclass](https://maven.com/thoughts-brewing-llc/learn-notebooklm-in-a-weekend-2-cohort)
- [Fractional COO/CTO Services](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/fractional-coo/cto-services)
- [Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

What are you looking for?

# Book Brew 37: Lists are Fun

 July 17, 2024

![Picture of Danielle Price Griffin](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/31045232924d123af765cd9b1925a9ce) [Danielle Price Griffin](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle)

![Book Brew](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Mindful%20Musings.jpg)

As I’m sure I have mentioned already, I am always on the lookout for new time management techniques to try out. A few of the ideas I have tried over the past few months have centered around lists. If you know me, then you know I like my lists—especially ones that I can check off and then cross off (yes, I do both!).

## The “Done for the Day” List

McKeown introduced a new type of list in *Effortless* that I found intriguing—he calls it the “Done for the Day” list. He says that it is “A list of everything you would love to get done.” He qualifies it with a question: “Is there some other task that will haunt me all night if I don’t get to it? If yes, then it should go on the list.”

## The “Not To Do” List

Another list that I have recently started trying out is the “Not To Do” list. Rather than making a list of things that I need to do, I make a list of the things I must not do—things that I find are time sucks, ones that don’t bring me joy, tasks that don’t move me closer to any of my goals. I was introduced to this concept in a video by Dean Graziosi and Matthew McConaughey, who talked about the importance of having a journaling practice. I believe it was Dean who mentioned he adds a “Not To Do” list on his journal pages to ensure he stays on track. My goal for this quarter is to keep a list of the things I want to see on my “Not To Do” list moving forward and then work to eliminate them. It is an empowering idea, especially when thinking of the implications for how effective it can be in business.

## Ponder This

1. What tasks could go on your “Not To Do” list to help you stay focused and productive?
2. How might the “Done for the Day” list change your approach to daily tasks?
3. What other unique list ideas can improve productivity in your business?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

### Books

- Effortless - Greg McKeown

### Share:

[Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [Share on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Book%20Brew%2037:%20Lists%20are%20Fun)

[Time Management](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/time-management), [Book Brew](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/tag/book-brew)

## Comments

## Related posts

##### Menu

- [Home](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/home)
- [About](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/about)
- [Blog](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog)
- [AI Training/Courses](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/courses)
- [Fractional COO/CTO Services](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/fractional-coo/cto-services)
- [Contact](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/contact)

[Privacy Policy](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/privacy-policy)   |  [Terms of Use](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/en-us/terms-of-use)    |   Herndon, VA   |   703-296-9912   |   ©2022-2026 Copyright Thoughts Brewing, LLC

[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughts-brewing-llc) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@thoughtsbrewingllc) [Find us on Google](https://g.co/kgs/YhpnVFp) [Find us on Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/thoughts-brewing-herndon) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thoughtsbrewingllc)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Danielle Price Griffin",
    "url" : "https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-07-17T14:28:00.384Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-07-17T14:28:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Book Brew 37: Lists are Fun",
  "image" : [ "https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Mindful%20Musings.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Thoughts Brewing, LLC"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "United States of America",
    "addressLocality" : "Herndon",
    "addressRegion" : "Virginia",
    "postalCode" : "20170",
    "streetAddress" : "205 Van Buren Street, Suite 120"
  },
  "email" : "contact@thoughtsbrewing.com",
  "logo" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://24461783.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24461783/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png"
  },
  "name" : "Thoughts Brewing, LLC",
  "telephone" : "703-296-9912",
  "url" : "thoughtsbrewing.com"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "abstract" : "Discover the power of lists for productivity in this Book Brew post. Learn about the Done for the Day and Not To Do lists to enhance your time management skills. ",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Danielle Price Griffin"
  },
  "dateModified" : "17 Jul 2024, 14:28",
  "datePublished" : "2024-07-17 14:28:00",
  "headline" : "Book Brew 37: Lists are Fun",
  "image" : "https://24461783.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24461783/Mindful%20Musings.jpg",
  "inLanguage" : "en",
  "keywords" : "[Time Management, Book Brew]",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "name" : "Book Brew 37: Lists are Fun",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://24461783.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24461783/Thoughts%20Brewing%20Logo_Round_Final_Light%20Blue_Transparent%20Background-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Thoughts Brewing, LLC"
  },
  "text" : "As I’m sure I have mentioned already, I am always on the lookout for new time management techniques to try out. A few of the ideas I have tried over the past few months have centered around lists. If you know me, then you know I like my lists—especially ones that I can check off and then cross off (yes, I do both!). The “Done for the Day” List McKeown introduced a new type of list in Effortless that I found intriguing—he calls it the “Done for the Day” list. He says that it is “A list of everything you would love to get done.” He qualifies it with a question: “Is there some other task that will haunt me all night if I don’t get to it? If yes, then it should go on the list.” The “Not To Do” List Another list that I have recently started trying out is the “Not To Do” list. Rather than making a list of things that I need to do, I make a list of the things I must not do—things that I find are time sucks, ones that don’t bring me joy, tasks that don’t move me closer to any of my goals. I was introduced to this concept in a video by Dean Graziosi and Matthew McConaughey, who talked about the importance of having a journaling practice. I believe it was Dean who mentioned he adds a “Not To Do” list on his journal pages to ensure he stays on track. My goal for this quarter is to keep a list of the things I want to see on my “Not To Do” list moving forward and then work to eliminate them. It is an empowering idea, especially when thinking of the implications for how effective it can be in business. Ponder This What tasks could go on your “Not To Do” list to help you stay focused and productive? How might the “Done for the Day” list change your approach to daily tasks? What other unique list ideas can improve productivity in your business? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Books Effortless - Greg McKeown",
  "url" : "https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-37-lists-are-fun"
}
```