The Power of Doing LESS

Alright, we’ve got six months left in the year, and it’s tempting to think we need to push ourselves harder to make the most of it. But what if I told you… doing less could actually make you more productive? Let’s chat about how taking a step back and focusing on what truly matters can lead to greater success.

I just got back from a rejuvenating vacation in the Outer Banks and it was GLORIOUS! Vacations often bring to mind jam-packed itineraries, crowded tourist spots, and the relentless pursuit of ‘doing it all.’ But this time, I decided to take a different route – a path of pure relaxation and simplicity. I spent my vacation indulging in the art of doing a whole lot of nothing, and it was exactly what I needed.

Every day began with the luxury of sleeping in until the sun nudged us awake or the kids’ excited voices echoed from the living room. We enjoyed leisurely breakfasts and cups of coffee, and the mornings sometimes included a peaceful stroll to the dunes or a walk down to the water.

Our routine was refreshingly simple. After breakfast, we packed up and headed to the water’s edge by 10 a.m., where we would spend the entire day lounging, building sandcastles, and simply being present. I made sure to keep up with my Bible study daily and managed to read through a fun book, but beyond that, my agenda was blissfully empty.

Seriously. We didn’t leave the house. We were nestled far up the beach, intentionally distanced from the hustle and bustle. We brought enough food for the week and delighted in the simplicity of home-cooked meals. The kids made new friends on the beach, and we joined in their games or simply watched as they played. It was a time of connection and rejuvenation for all of us.

A highlight of our stay was the occasional visit from wild horses, gracefully trotting through the area. It was a thrilling sight, adding a touch of magic to our serene days.

Our beach days usually wrapped up after 5 p.m. We would get cleaned up and make dinner.  Evenings often saw us heading back to the beach for a sunset stroll or a game of football or softball. Later, the kids would have some device time or we’d put on a movie. While they watched and snacked on popcorn, Brian and I would retreat to the little deck, rocking in our chairs, listening to the ocean waves, and keeping an eye out for those wild horses.

This vacation was a reminder of the beauty of simplicity. I embraced stillness, presence, and the joy of being in the moment. It was a whole lot of nothing, and it was everything I needed.

The Message Behind Doing Less

Andrea, our brilliant Creative Director, helps turn my word bombs into something coherent. While on my way back from the beach, she texted me (still on vacation) asking for July’s blog topic. I replied with two words: “do less.” She found it hilarious but there’s a deeper message here.

That message: (I say this with love) get out of the way! Seriously. If you have a team and you’re struggling to grow or have hit a plateau, it’s probably because of you. It’s not your team or your finances. You might have become complacent or stuck. More on that in my email newsletter. Sign up here to read: https://jennifersakowski.com/newsletter/.

That’s why my topic of the month is about doing LESS. I’ve been feeling this pull for a while. When you have something tugging at you, it might be a higher power guiding you. I’ve realized that to go further faster, it’s not all about the hustle. The hustle is essential, but being laser-focused on the most important things is what gets us ahead.
For instance, I have a running reading list on Amazon, filled with recommendations from my network. My latest read, “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,” by Peter Kang, has been on my list for a while. Now that I’m 70% through it, it speaks to my soul. There’s an illustration in the book showing a chaotic scribble versus a clear path. It’s obvious which path is better. If you’re interested in reading, check out my Amazon affiliate link here.

But how do we get there? For me, everything is important and a priority. That mindset can lead to burnout, which I experience almost seasonally. Recently, I’ve been slowing down, shifting priorities, and seeking divine guidance. It’s about focusing on one main thing each week, not multiple things across different categories.

How to “Do Less”

Tonight, as I prep for the rest of summer, I’m reminded of the importance of focusing on the most important tasks. Here are some key points:

1. Know Your Why: Your why should get you out of bed every morning. It’s a fight against complacency. The enemy wants us lazy and questioning ourselves, but we need to fight for our why every day. Read some tips on knowing your why: https://jennifersakowski.com/how-to-be-a-goal-getter-in-2024/ 

2. Know Your What: Your why should fuel what you want in life. What is God calling you to do? This clarity helps direct your actions.

3. Set Boundaries: Draw a line around yourself. When opportunities arise, evaluate them against your why and what. It’s okay to say no. This helps you stay focused and not get sidetracked.

Putting boundaries in place is essential. It’s about work-life fluidity, not balance. Boundaries ensure that I don’t overextend myself. They allow me to prioritize family time, work efficiently, and avoid burnout. It’s crucial to have a support system and delegate tasks when needed.

In conclusion, doing less and being focused helps prevent procrastination and ensures the most important tasks get done. It sounds simple but requires effort and a solid process. Remember, it starts with knowing your why.

Let’s strive to do less and achieve more by focusing on what truly matters. If you’re looking for guidance, advice or just someone to talk to, I’m here. Schedule a call to connect and start your journey towards a more focused and fulfilling life.