Exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you, Chris. And isn't it funny how we keep needing to learn the same lessons again and again... I am there with you...
This is a great reminder to focus on one thing at a time. I especially like the idea of scheduling a check-in to avoid decision fatigue. Thanks for sharing!
Chris this article came at a great time. You should check out the recent Modern Wisdom podcast with Cal Newport, I just listened to it today and took so many notes. One of the things they talked about was that when you say “yes” to a lot of things you’re generating “administrative overhead”.
These are related to things you agreed to do (answering emails, setting up the meetings, etc.) - the more things you’ve agreed to do, the more of your time get’s devoted to administrative overhead.
To make it worse, this overhead doesn't get batched into one chunk, it shatters your schedule into fragments so small that it’s insufficient for concentration and nothing meaningful gets done. Now most of your time is taken up talking about work but nothing is actually getting done and this is why people start getting up at 5AM or working in the evenings.
Moral of the story: DO FEWER THINGS AT ONCE. This will help you accomplish many more things.
This hits so hard! I'm going to listen to this right now. It's so counterintuitive that less is more, but as you said, it's true. (And I've validated it in my own experience.) Yet for whatever reason, my default is to take on more and more.
Great, insightful article Chris. Did you ever feel the urge to “do more” since quitting your full time job and making this full time? I know the “hustle culture” strikes everyone in any job but was curious if going freelance intensified that pressure for you at all. I'll be one of the first to buy your book on acceptance when you publish it too! I need all the help I can get in that particular area.
Thanks Jackie. Yes, I think I feel more pressure since it's my only source of income. I think if I still had my full time job, I wouldn't feel like the clock's ticking.
Thank you for this! While I’m not struggling with a challenge right now, other than wanting to work on 5 different projects (in different fields no less!).
I really needed the reminder that “Not now doesn’t mean never.” I can work on those other projects in future months and years.
The check-in is a good idea too! I’ll have to implement that!
'Accomplishing one project at a time gives us the motivation we need to continue on to the next task and endure in the face of adversity.'
Yeah, agreed. I feel like the key factor here is the sense of accomplishment of completing one particular project or goal that gives us fulfillment, and as you said further motivates us to tackle the other projects. This, instead of trying to take on too many things at once and not being able to accomplish any one.
I was spinning on this hamster wheel last week and have been taking this week to do the re-evaluating. During this past week, there have been 3 substack articles cross my path about the same/similar topic. The universe is trying to tell me something. Lol Thanks for going deep into the topic.
This morning, as I was running late, I was doing all the things -- making breakfast and lunch and getting dressed and doing dishes -- and I stopped and thought, "This sucks!" LOL. Bird by bird, my friend. xo
This is an insightful article Chris, doing everything equals doing nothing.
Step 5, resonates with me a lot, I remind myself of the following benefits from it;
1. We can't do everything alone.
2. Others may have valuable insights or solutions we haven't considered. Fresh perspectives from people with different experiences can help us find better ways to address our challenges.
3. Delegating tasks to others frees up our time and energy to focus on the most important priorities.
Asking for help shows humility and a willingness to learn. It's a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Helping others builds connections and goodwill. When we're in need down the road, those we've assisted may be more likely to support us.
Thanks Victoria! This is definitely a lesson I struggle to internalize. I like to plan and plan and plan and research and never act. Sometimes I feel like I choose to do everything because I'm unwilling to take a course of action and stick with it. Something I need to improve!
Aw Chris, that sounds like a tough inner criticism. May I be a kind empathetic friend and tell you you're doing amazingly at sharing your writing and support of others. Perhaps doing the timeline-exercise in my recent article will be a good reminder of what you've already accomplished doing what you're already doing!
We are all improving day-by-day, curiously learning about ourselves and what works. There is NO single right path forward only thousands of potential steps we can choose to take. In my humble opinion - if we consciously, eyes wide open choose the step and move forward, it'll be a step in the right direction. Direction & values is more important to me than destination/the 'what's' after all the destination I'm on has a finite inevitability in my caring situation. With regards to my website - I've 52 ideas in my management centre, and 10 juicy topics and 5 poss next articles...
If you were one of my clients I'd suggest exploring 'HOW' you think e.g. mind maps versus lists..you may find that you're researching a lot because your mind thinks more 'spherically' than 'linearly'...happy to DM you on this if it helps (LONG comment!!)
Exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you, Chris. And isn't it funny how we keep needing to learn the same lessons again and again... I am there with you...
Thanks Noha! I am right there with you. Case in point, I violated my advice today and worked on 3 different things 🤦♂️. I'll try again tomorrow...
Chris!!! Ah it’s so hard. Tomorrow. You can do it! and if you can’t it’s ok because tomorrow’s tomorrow will be another chance to try 🥴
Today was better 😀
I am happy for you AND I did a lot of everything today 😅😅😅
This is a great reminder to focus on one thing at a time. I especially like the idea of scheduling a check-in to avoid decision fatigue. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Falak! The check-in has made a huge difference for me. Helps me not feel anxiety about the choice I made.
Chris this article came at a great time. You should check out the recent Modern Wisdom podcast with Cal Newport, I just listened to it today and took so many notes. One of the things they talked about was that when you say “yes” to a lot of things you’re generating “administrative overhead”.
These are related to things you agreed to do (answering emails, setting up the meetings, etc.) - the more things you’ve agreed to do, the more of your time get’s devoted to administrative overhead.
To make it worse, this overhead doesn't get batched into one chunk, it shatters your schedule into fragments so small that it’s insufficient for concentration and nothing meaningful gets done. Now most of your time is taken up talking about work but nothing is actually getting done and this is why people start getting up at 5AM or working in the evenings.
Moral of the story: DO FEWER THINGS AT ONCE. This will help you accomplish many more things.
This hits so hard! I'm going to listen to this right now. It's so counterintuitive that less is more, but as you said, it's true. (And I've validated it in my own experience.) Yet for whatever reason, my default is to take on more and more.
Great, insightful article Chris. Did you ever feel the urge to “do more” since quitting your full time job and making this full time? I know the “hustle culture” strikes everyone in any job but was curious if going freelance intensified that pressure for you at all. I'll be one of the first to buy your book on acceptance when you publish it too! I need all the help I can get in that particular area.
Thanks Jackie. Yes, I think I feel more pressure since it's my only source of income. I think if I still had my full time job, I wouldn't feel like the clock's ticking.
That makes total sense. I’ve only ever had a 9-5 so very much admire your taking the leap to tackle this and your other writing full time.
Thank you for this! While I’m not struggling with a challenge right now, other than wanting to work on 5 different projects (in different fields no less!).
I really needed the reminder that “Not now doesn’t mean never.” I can work on those other projects in future months and years.
The check-in is a good idea too! I’ll have to implement that!
Thanks Jeremiah!
'Accomplishing one project at a time gives us the motivation we need to continue on to the next task and endure in the face of adversity.'
Yeah, agreed. I feel like the key factor here is the sense of accomplishment of completing one particular project or goal that gives us fulfillment, and as you said further motivates us to tackle the other projects. This, instead of trying to take on too many things at once and not being able to accomplish any one.
Wise life lessons, Chris.
Thanks Raveen!
Happiness is your compass…sometimes and for some people, the challenge is not asking for help, is finding it…
I was spinning on this hamster wheel last week and have been taking this week to do the re-evaluating. During this past week, there have been 3 substack articles cross my path about the same/similar topic. The universe is trying to tell me something. Lol Thanks for going deep into the topic.
😀 Thanks Patricia!
This morning, as I was running late, I was doing all the things -- making breakfast and lunch and getting dressed and doing dishes -- and I stopped and thought, "This sucks!" LOL. Bird by bird, my friend. xo
BEEN THERE
(Also thanks for the reminder to read bird by bird....)
This is an insightful article Chris, doing everything equals doing nothing.
Step 5, resonates with me a lot, I remind myself of the following benefits from it;
1. We can't do everything alone.
2. Others may have valuable insights or solutions we haven't considered. Fresh perspectives from people with different experiences can help us find better ways to address our challenges.
3. Delegating tasks to others frees up our time and energy to focus on the most important priorities.
Asking for help shows humility and a willingness to learn. It's a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Helping others builds connections and goodwill. When we're in need down the road, those we've assisted may be more likely to support us.
Thanks Tinashe! Well said. 🙏
So true, @Chris Anselmo. Great post.
May I add that we also frustrate our efforts by trying to be perfect?
Sometimes, moving forward with something is the best we can do with what we know/have in hand at the time: fear-walking (courage).
The best thing is if we’re curious & compassionate, we can learn something new, no matter what happens & perhaps be a little wiser next time.
Thanks Victoria! This is definitely a lesson I struggle to internalize. I like to plan and plan and plan and research and never act. Sometimes I feel like I choose to do everything because I'm unwilling to take a course of action and stick with it. Something I need to improve!
Aw Chris, that sounds like a tough inner criticism. May I be a kind empathetic friend and tell you you're doing amazingly at sharing your writing and support of others. Perhaps doing the timeline-exercise in my recent article will be a good reminder of what you've already accomplished doing what you're already doing!
We are all improving day-by-day, curiously learning about ourselves and what works. There is NO single right path forward only thousands of potential steps we can choose to take. In my humble opinion - if we consciously, eyes wide open choose the step and move forward, it'll be a step in the right direction. Direction & values is more important to me than destination/the 'what's' after all the destination I'm on has a finite inevitability in my caring situation. With regards to my website - I've 52 ideas in my management centre, and 10 juicy topics and 5 poss next articles...
If you were one of my clients I'd suggest exploring 'HOW' you think e.g. mind maps versus lists..you may find that you're researching a lot because your mind thinks more 'spherically' than 'linearly'...happy to DM you on this if it helps (LONG comment!!)
I really appreciate this comment! I agree, definitely my inner critic at work.
You're welcome Chris.Happy to help appease your critic with counter-arguments ;-)