Hey, that’s a great idea. I really could use to do that with my list!
How to ruthlessly clean out my 43 things list
How I did it: I had things on my list that realistically I was never going to do. Things that I actually didn't want to do in some cases. I had 43 things.
I now have 17. I was ruthless. Even things that had many entries got totally removed. I looked objectively at each thing on my list and worked out if it was something I was willing to work on attaining in the next 6 months. If it was, I let it stay, with the addendum that all things on my list must have new entries on them within the next month or so. That proviso that all things needed to actually have entries was a great help in deciding what things to get rid of. If the thought of writing about it made me pout, it got removed.
Lessons & tips: I want 43 things to be a tool that helps me get stuff done. I don't want it to be just a wish list of things I'd do if I had infinite time and money on my hands. If you're of a similar mindset, then these tips might help:
- Remove anything you aren't willing to at least start working on within the next 6 months.
- Commit to writing a detailed entry about every new thing you add to your list. If you can't be bothered writing a paragraph or two about it, it shouldn't be on the list.
- Commit to writing regularly about things that are on your list - it keeps you focused on your things.

