Avoid the need to check boxes

Because not every single thing is actionable

I was writing down a list of books recommended to me, when I started each item with an empty checkbox. This gave me pause. For what reason should a list of ideas become a list of "things to do"? Some things are just information.

Even if you are an Action Oriented so-and-so, it's not always clear what the right action is. You need time to think. You need to Murder your first born ideas. Consider with care whether a thing is worth doing, for you.

Because You can't do everything. Action without intention is mere motion. You have to choose a direction; one informed by a vision. Checkboxes dwell at the level of routine.

You can hold an idea without acting on it. Not every idea has value for you. Not every recommendation is worth reading. It should be a little tricky for other people to get you to do things. Not because you are stubborn, but because you are aligned. You already know what to do because You are enough.

Checkboxes are a kind of meta and you must Limit your ratio of meta to reality. You may use ye olde checkèd box to spur motivation, but don't confuse it for the thing you want. This is the problem with tokens like money or travel points.

Adding checkboxes to my reading list invites GIT R DONE energy to a process I already enjoy. I simply want to read, I don't need to "win." Avoideth the need to checkboxes and you'll never work another day in your life.