Modern living makes it easy to feel overwhelmed. You may run around all day and have little to show for it. Would you like to achieve more while doing less? Take a look at the benefits of streamlining your schedule and strategies for paring down your activities.
Benefits of Doing Less and Achieving More
1. Make more progress. You may worry that doing less will keep you from getting through your to-do list. In reality, focusing your efforts will help you accomplish more.
2. Feel more creative. Idle moments trigger innovation.
3. Experience less anxiety. A to-do list that stretches to infinity is bound to make you worry. Imagine how much lighter you’ll feel when you set realistic expectations.
4. Enhance your physical health. Many physical disorders are aggravated by stress.
5. Enjoy life more. Most of all, you’ll find more pleasure and satisfaction in what you do each day. You’ll be drawing on your strengths and devoting your time to what really matters to you.
Strategies for Doing Less and Achieving More
1. Establish priorities. Identify your top three priorities. Maybe you treasure your family or your musical ability.
2. Banish clutter. An orderly environment promotes efficiency. Find a system that works for you.
3. Turn off technology. You can keep your smartphone. Just shut it off occasionally.
4. Reduce distractions. Step back from old-fashioned distractions, too.
5. Downplay being busy. Some people brag about being extremely busy. Resist the urge to compete.
6. Focus on quality. Shift your focus to getting the results you want. Select tasks that motivate you to strive for excellence. The quality of your achievements is much more important than quantity.
7. Slow down. Avoid being in a rush. A deliberate pace is better suited for the long haul.
8. Do one thing at a time. Most experts are sceptic about multitasking.
9. Pay attention. Concentrate on the present moment.
10. Play around. Appreciate the value of unstructured play.
11. Take naps. As little as 10 minutes of afternoon slumber can be very refreshing.
12. Breathe deeply. If you need to be on your feet all day, use your breath to recharge your energies.
13. Pause frequently. Look forward to being kept waiting. Use the time while you’re standing in line at the grocery store to plan your afternoon.
14. Begin the day with a positive mindset. Set the alarm 10 minutes earlier so you can avoid racing around in the morning.
15. Review before bed. Simplifying your life is an ongoing process. Check-in each evening to see how you’re doing. Reflect on what went well and what could have gone better that day. Then plan for the next day, keeping in mind what adjustments you can make.
Take greater control of how you spend your time. Set your priorities and engage in activities that are meaningful for you. Your days will feel less stressful and be more productive.
Roy Clayton.
