Ep. 8 - We're doing too much

This has really hit me hard the last month(ish). I have seen it from my partner, clients, friends, family - basically everyone. We’re all trying to do too much, too often. The result? Overwhelmed, tired, and highly ineffective people roaming around. It transcends through everything we do.

Why do we do it?

I’m the first to admit that I fall into this trap over, and over, and over again. It will usually come in bursts. I’ll be super busy for a few weeks and then it bleeds into the following weeks. And, all of sudden, it’s May 14th and I’m wondering what has happened since Easter. Not a great feeling.

I’m trying to actively change this. But, when starting a new business it’s extremely hard. Especially when you hear all the hustle porn out there. “I worked 16 hour days for 4 years to get [Insert Company Here] off the ground.” Anecdotes like this make it appear that this is the only path. But I have to disagree - this can’t be the only path.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer in putting in the work. And I’ll do it - always. But there are times when I find myself just spinning my wheels. No high value work is being completed. Nothing that actually matters is being done. It’s just work for the sake of work because we have that voice, or that devil on our shoulder, telling us we must be working.

I’ve realized it’s not sustainable. Those long, strenuous hours are fine if a project or tight deadline is approaching. But the stress and exhaustion that follows is not sustainable. Winning the long game means approaching work and life differently. Work in sprints, go through your ‘seasons’, but recharge. And recharge often. Every athlete has an off-season. Every weight-lifter has rest days. Treat yourself like a high-performance athlete.

So, these are the practices I’m implementing to slow down and focus on what’s essential.

1. Letting myself wake-up. I’m an early riser, my alarm goes off at 5:15am everyday, and I usually have my laptop open by 5:45am. But not anymore. I’m giving myself at least 1.5 hours (so I’ll start at 6:45am). I’ve also started reading in the morning while having my first coffee and easing into the day. Game-changer so far.
   
2. Exercising during the day. I understand that this is a luxury. But any sort of movement during that noon to 2pm window is highly beneficial. It replaces the afternoon coffee and has allowed me to have intense focus for the remaining few hours of the day.
   
3. 9 - 5 is bullshit. I’m trying to not be ‘on the clock’ all the time. If it’s nice out - I’ll go for a walk. Or if it’s a nice morning, but it's supposed to rain in the evening, then I’ll shift my day around that to maximize my time outside. Basically, being flexible with my work. Not getting hung up on the ‘9 - 5’.
   
4. Practicing Stoicism. I’ve alluded to this before. The stoics were geniuses, and had this thing called life figured out much better than we do. I won’t get into the details, you can read about it here, but it’s helped me immensely.

Lastly, just having more fun. I’m best when I’m light. When I’m laughing during the day. Taking time to chat with my partner. Playing with the dog. These things all help divert my attention, which then allows me to focus more afterwards.

Trust me - you’re likely doing too much. Slow it down. Focus on the essential. And treat yourself like an athlete.