The Path Less Taken: Why You Need an Anti-To-Do List

Mark here.

Most of us have to-do lists that stretch a mile long, but here’s the twist:

What if your success depends on what you don’t do?

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but over time, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about adding more tasks.

Sometimes, it’s about removing distractions, bad habits, and unnecessary pressures.

That’s where the Anti-To-Do List comes in.

This list helps you focus on what you should stop doing instead of what you need to do.

The fewer distractions in your day, the more you can focus on the actions that matter.

How This Shifted My Approach

When I left the NFL, I struggled with wanting to take on everything at once.

I had a long list of tasks and goals, but they weren’t moving me forward as I thought they would.

So, I made a change—I started creating an Anti-To-Do List.

Instead of thinking about what I needed to add to my day, I focused on what I could eliminate—bad habits, distractions, or unnecessary commitments.

This shift helped me stay focused and energized as I trained to climb Everest.

It was about streamlining my efforts so I could devote more time and energy to what actually mattered:

Getting stronger, sharper, and more prepared for the climb ahead.

Every “no” to something unimportant became a “yes” to something that aligned with my bigger vision.

How to Build Your Anti-To-Do List

Here’s how you can create your Anti-To-Do List and start clearing space for what counts:

1. Identify Your Biggest Time Wasters

Write down the activities that take up time but don’t move the needle.

These could be meetings, habits, or distractions that drain your focus.

2. Remove One Non-Essential Task Per Day

Start small.

Each day, pick one task, habit, or distraction to eliminate.

It could be cutting down on social media, saying no to unproductive meetings, or minimizing multitasking.

3. Say ‘No’ More Often

Saying no isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategy.

When you turn down distractions or non-essential commitments, you create space to focus on what’s important.

Why It Works

The Anti-To-Do List gives you clarity.

It removes the noise that keeps you from reaching your full potential.

When you free yourself from unnecessary tasks, you focus on the things that really push you forward.

It’s about simplifying your day to create room for what truly matters.

Success doesn’t always come from doing more.

Sometimes, it comes from doing less—but doing it with purpose.

Let’s make it happen—by focusing on what to cut out.

Best,

Mark