Thread by @mikevardy

I’m not a fan of the term "to do" (or "to-do"). It just doesn't resonate with me. I know the term is clearly a part of the lexicon, but I'm at a point where I'd like to adjust peoples’ vocabulary when and where I can. I think I can start with these 3 alternatives. 🧵 1/13

TASK

This is probably the easiest to adopt because it's already used by different apps and tools that help you get things done. The interesting thing about the word "task" is while it can mean a single item it can also mean a single item with many variables inside of it. 🧵 2/13

In essence, a task can be a project when defined that way. For example, here's how Robert Greene uses the word "task" in his book Mastery: “Your Life’s Task is to bring (your uniqueness) to flower, to express your uniqueness through your work.” 🧵3/13

So if you replace "to do" with "task" then what you now have is a series of missions –some big, some small – that you need/want to complete. I think this isn't just the easiest alternative to adopt... it might be the best to adopt for most. 🧵4/13

INTENTION

I've long said that productivity is really about linking your intentions with your attention. So if you start to use this word instead of "to do" it makes it simpler for you to make that happen. 🧵5/13

I've had people argue with me that an intention is something grander or bigger. But I disagree. Anything that is an intention is something that you either need or want to do – the word literally means "a thing intended."🧵6/13

I'd also argue people tend to confuse a “to do” with a project, which derails the argument that an intention is too big to replace the term "to do." A project is something that requires multiple steps to complete. An intention can be a singular small thing or a big thing.🧵7/13

My list isn't a to do list. It's an intention list. That's why it gets done.🧵8/13

DEED

This one's interesting and may be ideal for someone who does a lot for others. The idea of a deed tends to imply that the thing you are doing is for someone else. (You know, to do a “good deed.”)🧵9/13

But you can do deeds for yourself as well – and not all deeds are good. When you look at the meaning of the word ("an action that is performed intentionally or consciously") you might find it this could work as an alternative.🧵10/13

It somewhat combines the concept of a task and intention and combines them. In fact, I think it might be the best one of all because it actually has more meaning built into it than the others.🧵11/13

I'm always looking for deeper meaning in the words I use because it creates a greater driving force within me. The term "to do" just isn't enough. I need something more.🧵12/13

I’m hoping that these alternatives I've presented to you might inspire you to look for more meaning to describe your lists as well. Whether you're considering task, intention, deed, or something else – I think it's time to do away with the term "to do" for good.🧵13/13 #endthread