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Another day, another five million things on the to do list. Most days, nothing even gets crossed off the list because too many other things come up phone calls, unanticipated client problems, Anti depressants last minute emergency that must be handled today. And at the end of the day has anything of value been accomplished?

You think youre organized because youve got a to do list youve thought about what you want to get done, and youve got it all planned out. But somehow it just never works out. The problem may not be your to do list it may be that you need a dont do list.

Whats a dont do list?
A 'don't do' list s a list of the things you shouldnt be doing, the things that could be delegated to someone else or outsourced. The dont do list also includes all of the things you completely let go things that auto insurance specialist be eliminated entirely (or eliminated for a specified time period).

As a lawyer, you're often preoccupied with how much needs to get done, and youre always on the go, rushing from one thing to the next, to the next. And while youre busy doing the first thing on our list, ten other things crop up, or youre thinking about what we need to do as soon as youre done with what youre working on. Its frustrating, exhausting and ultimately, completely unproductive.

Don't be a victim of 'analysis paralysis'
Law school education trains lawyers to spot issues, but this issue spotting behavior isnt necessarily the most efficient way to run a law practice. In fact, it often leads to analysis paralysis - every issue must be at least considered, if not addressed, and this hampers lawyers by creating too many distractions. In effect, the dont do list narrows your options so that youre not overwhelmed by so many choices every time something new arises.

Having a dont do list lets you identify from the outset the kinds of things you dont want to do, or just shouldnt be doing because they distract you and prevent you from accomplishing more important tasks. If its already on the dont do list, its easy to immediately recognize it and move on to more productive endeavors.

How do you decide what goes on the dont do list?
Anything that distracts you from the main goals that you want to accomplish belongs on the list. The dont do list can come into play in a variety of areas in your practice in the choice of day to day activities, your selection of clients or matters, or even what matters you should respond to first.

I had one client who was the managing partner of a four attorney firm and felt it was her obligation to open the mail every day so she could be on top of what was going on at the firm. But the time it took for her to open and sort the mail was time away from her other, more valuable duties. When my client finally used her dont do list and gave the job of opening and sorting the mail to her receptionist, she reclaimed a lot of billable time. Now she can breeze through the already opened, date-stamped and sorted mail and still keep current.

Your dont do list may also include certain types of clients. A friend recently fired a client who was difficult from the moment my friend first met him, and she finally drew the line The Great Silence he began treating her abusively. Shes added abusive clients to her dont do list. Now when she sees one coming, shell just say no. She wont add to her stress level by dealing with clients that dont respect her and dont value her work. The money that client might bring in just isnt worth it. She saved herself endless hours of worry and unproductive activity because dealing with that abusive client was distracting, even when she was working with other clients.

Think about your strengths and weaknesses when making your dont do list.
If youre a great speaker but a poor writer, perhaps writing articles, motions, briefs, etc. should go on your dont do list. You can use a ghostwriter, hire a contract lawyer to do the writing for you, or give the task to someone else in the firm with excellent writing skills. Then you can focus your energies on trying cases, giving seminars or presentations, or other activities where you can showcase your speaking skills.

Some marketing activities may belong on your dont do list. One solo I know belongs to so many networking groups that hes at a networking event every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. That means hes at his office late into the night, and every single weekend handling his regular work. As a long term strategy, this might not be the best for him or his family. Marketing and practice building are very high value activities for a solo to perform. But theyre only valuable if they are strategic - if theyre putting you in front of potential clients or leads, or if the groups or events are ones which youre passionate about.

Saying no is an essential part of your dont do list.
Being unable to say no to a request when youre already overburdened is a mistake. If youre unable to devote the time and energy necessary to a project or group, your participation can end up working against you by creating a negative impression. Evaluate which groups or activities will be the most beneficial to you (or to the people or causes youre supporting). Limit your participation to the most valuable events or organizations. You can get more value for less time, energy and stress. If the things already on the to do list are more important or more valuable, these invitations belong on the dont do list.

Although you need to be responsive and accessible to your clients, a good dont do list might include particular days or times when youre off limits. Allowing constant interruptions of family or leisure time not only robs you of much-needed recharging and rest, but is a disservice to clients who are only getting part of your attention. The same goes for interruptions of important business or client-related activities. Its rare that clients have a real emergency that cant wait an hour or two for you to finish preparing your motion in limine or complete a meal with your family.

Practice areas can also be items to add to your dont do list. If your practice Marvel Super Heroes on family law and a client brings you a medical malpractice case, or if youre a transactional lawyer who has never seen the inside of a courtroom and youre asked to try a case, turning down the case may be the right decision. If you arent well-versed in the particular area of the law, dont have the time or resources to learn or dont have someone to help you, you may be asking for more trouble than taking the case on is worth. Having a ready network of attorneys to whom you can refer cases in other practice areas so you know these clients are well taken care of can assure that youre meeting your clients needs while still remaining true to your Batman goals.

Identifying the dont dos can be an effective tool for managing your time and reducing your stress. Knowing in advance what things you wont do lets you move on quickly, without wasting additional time analyzing everything that comes to your attention.

The dont do list also reminds you to ask for help in the areas that arent your strengths, so you can focus our efforts on what you do best and what brings the most value to your clients and to your life. It allows you to let go of the idea that you can do everything and be everything to everyone. Its a shorthand way of cutting through all of the clutter of what needs to be done so you can get back to providing great service to your clients.

(c) 2006-2007 Allison C. Shields and Legal Ease Consulting, Inc. This article may be reprinted, but must include the copyright and resource box below.

Allison C. Shields, President of Legal Ease Consulting, Inc., has been a practicing lawyer for over 13 years. The former managing partner for a mid-sized law firm, Allison is now helping lawyers create more profitable, productive and enjoyable practices. She is the author of the Legal Ease Blog at: www.LegalEaseConsulting.comhttp://www.LegalEaseConsulting.com, and her website, www.LawyerMeltdown.comhttp://www.LawyerMeltdown.com, provides information and resources to lawyers who want to increase the effectiveness of their practices.