I read a Bible verse a few days ago that reminded me of something you and I have discussed for years. The verse comes from the 15th chapter of John, verses 1 and 2:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2 NIV)
I’ve read that verse for years, but this time it reminded me of a business strategy I use every year: the importance of building a to-do list and a stop-doing list.
We all make to-do lists, but when was the last time you made a list of things you need to STOP doing? I bet your daily and weekly routine has at least one thing you either dread doing or simply do because it’s been done for years.
Why? Why do you keep doing it?
If you want to be more productive and profitable in 2016, spend 30 minutes today and make a to-do list and a stop doing list. The to-do list should include things you are both passionate about AND have a level of expertise higher than the average person.
Your stop doing list should include anything in which you no longer are passionate about and/or do not have expertise, even if it currently makes you money.
Why? Because if you ever want to grow your business, career, and family life, you need to shed things which drag you down. You need to stop distracting yourself. Instead, spend more time focused on things you love. Help people learn. When you do that, you create value which then creates an opportunity for you to get paid doing something you love.