You Can't Do Everything.
Countless productivity books and inspirational stories like Elon Musk working 100 hours a week will make you believe you can do everything if you really try. But the reality is that you can't do everything and do it well.
Today's piece is a reminder to do less.
Do Less to Do Better
Doing less can often lead to better outcomes in the areas that truly matter. When you focus on a few priorities—like being a present parent, a reliable partner, or a committed professional—you have more energy and attention to excel.
This approach allows you to go deeper in fewer areas, creating meaningful progress rather than spreading yourself too thin.
In other words, one of the most "productive" things you can do is to actually do less.
For instance, Elon Musk can work 100 hours a week because he delegates most personal tasks. By doing less in certain areas, he can make a bigger impact where it matters most to him.
Efficiency Trap
Think of how drained you felt when you tried to cram work, fitness, family, finances, and hobbies into one day.
People fall into an "efficiency trap" in which they think they can "do it all" by being more efficient, only to end up with anxiety, longer to-do lists, and missing out on what truly matters to them.
Practical Tips to Declutter Your Life
- If not "Hell, yeah!", say "No"
- We say yes to too many things. If something doesn't fill you with excitement, just say no.
- Outsource and delegate
- Pre-made healthy meals, snow shoveling service, professional cleaner
- Limit Daily To-Do List
- Stick to 1-2 key tasks per day.
- Digital detox
Resources
A short book filled with Insights on what's worth doing
Great book with an interesting approach to productivity
Join me on a journey to redesign life, one step at a time! 👊
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