By Patrick Cahillane – Life, Executive & Business Coach with One Source International Coaching and Training & Founder of The One Source Personal Development Network
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly running on a hamster wheel, going through the motions without really making any progress. We’re bombarded with information, tasks, and responsibilities that seem to pile up faster than we can keep up with. It’s no wonder that many of us feel stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out.
That’s where the concept of “doing less better” comes in. At its core, doing less better is about focusing on what’s truly important and eliminating the rest. It’s about being intentional with your time and energy, and making sure that every action you take moves you closer to your goals.
Essentialism is a related concept that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the things that matter most. According to Greg McKeown, author of the book “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,” essentialism is “a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless.”
The idea behind essentialism is that when we try to do too much, we end up spreading ourselves too thin. We become mediocre at everything instead of excellent at a few things. By focusing on what’s truly essential, we can achieve more with less effort.
So, how can you apply the principles of doing less better and essentialism in your own life? Here are a few tips to get started:
- Identify your priorities.
The first step is to figure out what’s truly important to you. What are your goals, both short-term and long-term? What values do you hold most dear? Once you have a clear picture of what you’re working towards, you can start to focus your energy on the things that matter most.
- Say “no” more often.
One of the key tenets of essentialism is learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities. This can be difficult, especially if you’re used to saying “yes” to everything that comes your way. However, it’s important to remember that every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. By being more selective with your commitments, you can ensure that you’re using your time and energy in the most effective way possible.
- Simplify your life.
In order to focus on what’s truly important, it’s often necessary to simplify your life. This might mean decluttering your home or workspace, cutting back on social media or other distractions, or streamlining your schedule. By eliminating the things that are taking up unnecessary space in your life, you can free up more time and energy to focus on your priorities.
- Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for staying focused on the present moment and avoiding distractions. By practising mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness techniques, you can train your brain to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid getting sidetracked by other thoughts or concerns.
- Take breaks.
Finally, it’s important to remember that rest and relaxation are just as important as work and productivity. In fact, taking regular breaks can actually help you be more productive in the long run by preventing burnout and allowing your brain to recharge. Whether it’s taking a walk outside, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes, make sure to build breaks into your schedule to give yourself the space you need to recharge and refocus.
Rember, doing less better and essentialism are powerful concepts that can help us achieve more with less effort. By focusing on what’s truly important, learning to say “no” to distractions, simplifying our lives, practising mindfulness, and taking breaks when we need them, we can create a more intentional and fulfilling life for ourselves.