Maximizing Productivity with The Can’t Do List

The word “can’t” can be a motivator. Have you ever told a child they can’t do something? The relentless pursuit of what they can’t have or do typically follows. Remember when we were told not to stare into the sun, or it will burn our eyes? Did you end up doing it anyway? I had to try it. There is something about being told you can’t do “X” that makes us want to do it even more.

I think we would all agree that crossing things off a list gives us a sense of accomplishment and motivates us. However, what about those things that you don’t get done or never get started…and remain on your “To Do” list?

Reverse Psychology at Work

What would happen if we use reverse psychology for creating a “Can’t Do” list for the things we don’t do yet fool ourselves into thinking we will do someday?

If you are up for the challenge, click on the image above to print out your “Can’t Do” list and start with a task such as exercising every day or taking time out of the day to pray, meditate or rest the brain. Now commit to a duration that you feel is too challenging and physically write it and see if you treat this task differently.

I tested this theory out the other day and decided that I would not be able to fit three 30-minute workouts/yoga sessions into my day. Sure enough, I kept thinking about this task all day because this was now a challenge that I  became obsessed with proving could do done. Not surprisingly, my “Can’t Do” list was completed, and I felt great about it. My entire day was more productive.

Lively Up Yourself

There is an interesting parallel between Bob Marley and the “Can’t Do” challenge for getting focused and being productive. Bob Marley would make his band play soccer or “Lively Up Yourself” before getting together and jammed. He was a strong believer in getting your heart pumping and your mind focused on getting the most out of each day and jam session.

Bob Marley’s Can’t Do List: You can’t be in the band unless you “Lively Up Yourself” with exercise before music.

Results: Legendary

Making a ‘Can’t Do’ list with tasks that you think are unrealistic to accomplish creates internal competitiveness and a top of mind awareness. I have found reverse psychology tricks like this work, and they do not need to be a big-time commitment as much as an ongoing commitment. If you can get a daily routine down, you can take on more challenging tasks for a greater sense of accomplishment, such as learning a new language in one year.

Strategically, I was looking to create a break-through with being more productive throughout the day by fitting in a few exercise breaks, first thing in the morning and around 2 pm when I tend to drag a little. So far, my days are more rewarding, and I have more focus when a “Can’t Do” challenge is on my radar.

You Can’t Do It!?

Take on what you feel you can’t do. Start with one thing that you have been putting off and put it on the ‘Can’t Do’ list, and commit to it daily. See if reverse psychology is a motivator for you. Below is the start of my “Can’t Do” list, motivated by a friend of mine, Chris Bird, who was successful with this very challenge. What is going on your “Can’t Do” list?