Rather than asking yourself: “What else do I need to do today?” or “What else can I get done today?”
Try asking yourself: “What don’t I need to do today?” or “What can be crossed off my list?”
The modern day default is to add, add, add. More tasks done equals a more productive day. A more productive day equals a greater return. A greater return is what hustle culture deems as being the worthwhile reward.
…But, a greater return equals… what exactly?
This is where a lot of people get their formulas confused. Do greater returns equal more happiness or more material purchases? Do greater returns equal more quality time or more quality brands? Do greater returns equal more freedom or more responsibilities?
Maybe it’s worth considering an approach of less, less, less.
Maybe less tasks done equals a more productive day—not just because it was more focused on higher priority tasks, but because it was more appropriately balanced with all of your life’s priorities—instead of just work. And a more balanced day equals a greater return in each of your life’s domains. And maybe a greater return from each of life’s domains is what actually leads to more happiness, quality time, and freedom?
P.s. 23 Greg McKeown Quotes from Essentialism and How To Live Better Via Less