How to work less
I speak frequently with highly competent professionals who are juggling way too much. If this sounds like you, rest assured—you are not alone. And you are not doing something wrong. Many high achievers at some point find themselves saddled with a glut of work. It’s normal, if difficult.
It can get better. Relief is possible, but the only way forward is to make some tough decisions.
Here’s a planning exercise to help you break free:
List your top 5 - 10 priorities for the next year.
Circle the 1 or 2 items (ONLY 2) that are most important to you. If you could knock 2 home runs on your list, which two items would you choose?
☝🏼This part is hard, but you can do it. You must decide, or you will be stuck treading water.
Now, make a new list… What must you do MORE OF NEXT WEEK to give these items the attention they deserve? Add a time block to your calendar for these activities.
What must you do LESS OF NEXT WEEK? How will you create space—on your calendar and in your brain? Put one of these D-words by each “do less” item: delegate, delay, or drop. If you are part of a team, you should be transparent about these decisions. If you report up to a manager, you may need them to bless your plan.
☝🏼Must folks want to skip this step with every fiber of their being. They tell themselves everything on their list is essential, or that “things will settle down.” Try to resist rationalizations. Lean into the discomfort instead. If you’re getting stuck here, pause and reflect: What do you stand to gain by making these choices (and changes)? What is the price of avoiding them? Complete step 4 when you’re ready.
Go and do.
Rinse and repeat. This is about regular recalibration, not a one-time adjustment, so you’ll need to keep at it. The good news is that it gets easier. When you start to feel confident at weekly intervals, you can safely expand to a monthly pace.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Keep showing up, but give yourself a break. This is not something you need to Get Right the first time (or ever). Rather, it’s an ongoing practice. There is plenty of time to course correct.
Consistency, not perfection, is the way.
P.S. If you like a structured doc, grab the planning worksheet: “Do Less Overall (and more of what’s important).”.