My top tips: How to Achieve More by Doing Less
Keeping up with the Joneses
Life moves at a fast pace, and it can be difficult to keep up. Most people are time-poor and feel they’ve got too much on their plate.
Are you also juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to fit as much as possible into every moment? Do you find it weird, or even stressful, to take time off?
We're here to offer a new perspective, and it's based on research.
Imagine if the key to achieving more was actually slowing down? In a world that values constant productivity and being busy, taking a break may seem counterintuitive, but the benefits of slowing down are undeniable.
We love Dolly Parton's quote:
"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."
Let’s ask ourselves real questions, and be honest with ourselves. We live in a society that glorifies being busy, but at what cost? The pressure to be productive all the time is leaving us breathless, tired, disconnected from what matters, and sick.
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.
Gosh, that's crazy!
Taking a break and slowing down has a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. By slowing down, we can reduce stress and increase our productivity, creativity, and overall happiness. It's proven.
“I can’t slow down, Soph, I’ve got two kids!"
"I’ve got a business!”
“Who else is going to do all the work then?”
“I’ll lose my job, Soph, if I take breaks.”
I know. I hear your sighs and I see your tired smile. I’m with ya, my friend.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been cooking dinner while talking to your children and looking at work emails. I certainly have my hand up. It is important to know that multitasking is overrated. Several articles have concluded that multitasking leads to a loss in productivity.
Hang on, what?!
Researchers have discovered that what we do is actually “task switching,” and we are never giving our 100% to any of the tasks we’re performing. Multitasking can even lead to impaired memory, and increased stress and anxiety. How depressing!
If you are interested, there is some very valuable information in this article by the American Psychological Association.
Are we ready to take an honest look at the way we live our life?
What’s more important?
What are we actually running towards?
Photo credit Luis Villasmil on Unsplash
It may seem daunting to slow down, especially if you feel like you already have too much on your plate. Remind yourself that small changes make a big difference.
Start by asking yourself:
1. Who am I trying to prove myself to?
2. What do I ultimately want to achieve?
3. What brings me joy in my daily routine?
4. What could I say no to?
5. What is one thing I could do daily to help?
My #1 tip:
Own less.
The less you own, the less you have to maintain, clean, sort...
My #2 tip:
Another amazing and free (donation-based) tool if you work at a computer a lot is "Scirocco take a Break". It chimes to remind you to get up and stretch your legs. It has certainly been life-changing for me as it stopped my chronic headaches!
Do it! Go for a quick walk, have a stretch, read a few pages of a book, spend time with colleagues or loved ones, or simply make a cup of tea.
My #3 tip:
List your values and priorities, and decide how you will structure your days to be aligned with these.
Stolen AMAZING tips:
Tim Ferriss: Check your work emails twice a day only, or less!
Vanessa Loder: The Power Hour - love, love, LOVE that one!
An accredited Coach is a great ally in making changes. They help you brainstorm and come up with a powerful plan that will leave you energised and hopeful. You can totally do this!
Photo credit Prophsee journals on Unsplash
It’s time to be a rebel, my friend. To put ourselves and our wellbeing first. To set boundaries. To break away from the culture of busyness and prioritise our wellbeing.
So what’s going to happen when you slow down?
You will become more focused, productive, creative, and even happier. You will become a better version of yourself.
As simple as that.
Photo credit Adam Winger on Unsplash
Reference Articles:
American Psychological Association. Chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/chronic-disease
Ferriss, Tim. “Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers" Random House, 2009.
Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), 106(37), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0903620106
Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2010). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown and Company.
Remember that an accredited Life Coach is professionally trained to help you go through changes in the easiest, most effective way.
We’re here to help!
And I leave you with this from writer and philosopher Elbert Hubbard:
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
Written by:
Sophie Anderson
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About the Author
Hi! I'm Sophie and I am so glad you're here! I help women and men make small, incremental changes that create a positive ripple effect on their entire life.
You have the power to turn your life around, starting today.
I am here to help you succeed.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I coach, collaborate and grow, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Peoples. I acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. I pay my deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.
I also recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.