The Joy of Subtracting

Overwhelmed clients often ask me for new tips and tricks they can try to help them handle the demands on their time and energy.

I’ve even done it myself – googled in search of the perfect new time management technique that will change my life for the better.

We live in a world where we are conditioned to think that more is always better, so a new technique or strategy in the mix will surely help with that overwhelm problem, right?

Stop to think about it, though: is adding more really going to help with overwhelm?

Even worse, we tend to add things that make it worse (meetings to discuss prioritisation, complex lists that take hours to manage, more time in front of the TV or on social media, unhealthy food and a few too many wines).

Image of a calculator

Instead, what if we focused on subtracting those things that make life worse, and if we really must add things, have them be things that make it better?

Subtract some:

  • Long, pointless meetings

  • Junky food/booze etc

  • Complexity that adds no value

  • A house full of expensive items and clothes you never use or wear

  • A belief that busyness = value

What can you subtract? Let me know!

Until next week,
Take care of yourself and others

Madeleine

PS. Are you looking for a complex process to help you solve your overwhelm? I can’t help with that. But if you’d like a sounding board as you simplify and focus on what matters, let me know, and we can work through it together. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

1. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.

2. Feeling unfulfilled, overworked or unclear about what next? Work with me to identify what is holding you back and make a plan for more powerfully and enjoyably pursuing goals that matter to you. Contact me to find out more.

3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.

4. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.

Click below to share this on your socials.

Madeleine ShawLeadership, Time Management, Prioritisation, Wellbeing, Minimalism, Simplicity