Why "Doing Less, But Doing Well" is better for you, for your entity, and for the world?

Why not admit it? How many times do we feel frustrated because someone invites us to a professional event but never follows up, or someone messages us to propose an idea but starts by stating that she/he is too busy, or someone visits us to make a deal but never responds to messages, or someone sends a request in the last minute and states that the deadline is tomorrow??

It's easy to blame them, but have we also ever paused to consider how many times we've caused the same frustration to others, probably? The truth is, when we sign up for too many things, get distracted by numerous tasks, or work on things that we don’t see truly worthy of our time, we contribute to a cycle of personal frustration, unmet expectations, and terrible results. That is most likely where my friend’s observation comes from; everyone is so busy yet everything is going backwards!

As a professional who has navigated various roles and situations, I've made it one of my life’s missions to advocate for doing less, but doing well. I've seen firsthand how this principle can serve us well—not just as individual professionals, but also as institutions and as a society at large. I want to share some light on this principle and hope that you, too, might start moving in this direction.?

This is the first in a series of three articles that explore the transformative power of focusing on what truly matters. Each article will share five advantages of this principle from different perspectives: this one focuses on you, the professional; the next will examine its impact on your entity, whether a manager or an employee; and the final piece will look at how this philosophy can contribute to a better world for all of us.

In this article, I'll share at least five compelling benefits of adopting the principle of "doing less, but doing well" in your professional life. These benefits are not just theoretical; they are backed by research, expert opinions, and most importantly, real-life experiences. Join me and let’s dive in.

1. Improved Focus and Quality of Work

When you're not spread thin over multiple tasks, you can devote more attention and resources to each task, thereby improving the quality of your work. Cal Newport, in his book "Deep Work," argues that the ability to focus without distraction is becoming increasingly rare and valuable in our information-saturated world. Research supports this, showing that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. So, by doing less, you're actually setting yourself up to produce higher-quality work. And what does that mean to you? Enhanced professional reputation.?

2. Enhanced Reputation and Reliability

When you do fewer things but do them exceptionally well, you become known as someone who is reliable and excels in their work. Stephen Covey's classic book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" emphasizes the importance of focusing on important tasks to build a strong reputation. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that reliability and competence are highly valued in the workplace. By doing less, but doing it well, you're not just meeting expectations—you're exceeding them. And why is that important? A strong professional reputation calls for more impactful opportunities on your behalf. Let's delve into that next.

3. More Opportunities for Meaningful Impact

Focusing on fewer, more significant tasks allows you to make a meaningful impact rather than getting lost in a sea of trivialities. The book "The ONE Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan argues that extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you can make your focus. Research in the Journal of Applied Psychology supports this, showing that employees who focus on core job tasks experience higher job satisfaction and performance. By doing less, you're actually doing more of what truly matters. Making a meaningful impact is rewarding, but let's not forget the impact it will have on your well-being. That is what comes next.?

4. Reduced Stress and Burnout

Taking on too many tasks can lead to stress and eventually burnout, affecting both your mental and physical health. The book "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle" by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski offers insights into how to break the cycle of stress. The World Health Organization has even recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, linking it to chronic workplace stress. By doing less, you're giving yourself the space to recharge and avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Reducing stress is crucial, but the ultimate goal for many of us is achieving a balanced life. Let's explore how doing less can help you achieve that.

5. Better Work-Life Balance

Doing less allows you to allocate time for personal growth, family, and relaxation, which in turn makes you more effective in your professional life. The book "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown discusses the importance of making life more meaningful through less. A Harvard Business Review article even highlights that achieving a work-life balance is crucial for long-term career success and well-being. By focusing on what's essential, you're creating a life that's not just successful, but also fulfilling.

I hope this article has not only given you a fresh perspective on the transformative power of doing less but doing it exceptionally well, but also inspired you to take action. The journey doesn't end here; stay tuned for the next installment in this series, where we'll delve into how this life-altering principle can positively impact institutions.

But let's not stop at just reading—let's turn "doing less but doing well" into a collective calling, a movement that champions a happier, healthier you and a better world for all. I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and challenges in the comments below or to reach out to me personally. Together, we can make this principle not just an idea, but a transformative way of life.