Get Past The Whole "Less Is More" Thing . . .

Most things aren't essential.

And we're all accustomed to the idea that "less is more."And we all agree that "quality is better than quantity."And we are all aligned with the idea that we should "work smarter and not harder."But yet we revolve back to the idea of doing more, outputting more, and producing more--at least, I certainly do.

So what to do?

Reflect.You can allocate 20% of your time (or less at first) to not "doing" things, but taking in new information, verbally processing your thoughts, or giving yourself space to think. The other 80% can still be allocated for good, old fashioned hard work.Structured reflection time is valuable because it can help you zoom out, look at the big picture and remember WHY you're doing what you're doing.It affords you the time to observe your own narrative, question yourself, and refocus on what's important to you in your current stage of life.Working hard in one direction is no good if you find out it's the wrong direction 20 years later.

2 Minute Action

Try a few of these quick methods to get out of the noisy, in-the-trenches work and recalibrate on what's essential.MediateWrite in a journal about what's going on right now.Plan a day-long (or longer) time to turn off your phone and draw out your current goals or visions for the future.Mark off a regular time to read a helpful book or listen to a useful podcast.

The First Thing You Should Do Everyday To Be Successful

The skills you need will come with time and effort.What's more important is your attitude, your aptitude, and what you believe in.

These things can be said as these questions:

• How will you react when things go terribly wrong?
• What are you capable of?
• What will motivate you intrinsically?

2 Minute Action

It's basically never a bad idea to be in a positive mindset.Take 2 minutes to think of all the reasons you will excel, today.Now think about the thing you least want to do.Do that first.

One Known Route To Happiness

It’s Saturday. Most people have the day off.

It’s okay if you’re working but you may want to consider getting into the flow of something completely unrelated to work.People who report being the most happy often are also people who spend a lot of time in a state of “flow.”Flow is that place where time disappears and all that matters is exactly what’s in front of you.

Flow is that place where distractions disappear and you are consumed by total focus.

When was the last time you were in flow?It could be a puzzle, a rock climb, or a game of air hockey.No matter what it is, people who get more of it end up happier.

2 Minute Action

Pick something that makes you feel alive and removes distractions.Bowling? Writing? Swimming?If you can’t set aside time today, take 2 minutes to carve out the time for this activity on your calendar.It might feel unnecessary now, but you’ll thank yourself later.