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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wise life lessons, Chris.
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.
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.
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.