Why Doing More Isn’t Always the Answer. To do or not to do? This age-old question lingers in our minds, often pushing us to dive headfirst into the unknown without fully understanding the depths beneath us.

We rarely pause to consider:

1. What’s beneath the water?
2. Can we swim, and if so, can we make it to the other side and back?
3. Do we genuinely want this, or are we just going with the flow?

Life throws numerous challenges our way, and we often believe that overcoming more obstacles makes us better. But does doing more really lead to more, or does it just keep us busy?

As coaches, we often encounter motivated, ambitious, and success-driven clients. They have a plethora of accolades and always crave more. Our role is not just to help them achieve the next milestone but to support them in choosing the right trophy to dedicate their time and effort to.

If you’ve ever excelled at something, you know it involved significant planning and hard work.

Achieving goals isn’t about lounging in your pyjamas; it’s about getting out of bed earlier than intended, working on both your inner and outer game, experimenting with numerous strategies, and learning what doesn’t work until you finally succeed. It’s a process that demands time and effort.

Now, imagine if you constantly jumped from one challenge to another without a clear direction. It might seem exciting at first, but soon you’ll realize that precious time could have been better spent. Perhaps more time with your kids, partner, parents, friends, or even enjoying a lazy afternoon in a hammock.

A Real-World Example: Jeff Weiner’s Approach at LinkedIn

Early in his tenure at LinkedIn, Jeff Weiner realized that the company was trying to do too many things at once. This scattershot approach was diluting efforts and causing stress among employees. Instead of pushing harder, Weiner decided to narrow the company’s focus. He implemented a strategy called “Fewer things done better,” which became a core operating principle at LinkedIn.

Weiner urged his team to prioritize and concentrate on the most impactful projects. This shift allowed LinkedIn to channel its resources more effectively, leading to substantial growth and innovation. By focusing on core strengths like the professional network platform, the company was able to enhance user experience and expand its services, contributing to its eventual acquisition by Microsoft for $26.2 billion.

So, what’s the tool to navigate this better?

It’s a simple yet profound question: What one thing would make today great? What one thing would make this month, the next 3-6 months, or this year great? Establishing a slightly longer view of what you want to achieve does several things:

1. Reduces Stress: Knowing what you aim for alleviates the anxiety of the unknown.
2. Enhances Productivity: With clear goals, you spend more time doing and less time worrying, likely making you feel happier.
3. Builds Stronger Habits: A longer view encourages consistent effort in certain areas, building strong rituals and habits, which lead to new skills and greater self-trust.
4. Surpasses Expectations: You might be surprised by how much more you can achieve in 6 months than in 1.

Take a moment today to practice this. Ask yourself what one thing would make the next 6 months great and give it a try. It doesn’t always have to be about a salary increase. It might be about something as simple yet profound as spending an extra dinner at home with your kids.

The little things add up, especially when they hug you back.

By setting intentional and meaningful goals, you transform how you approach life and work. This deliberate practice not only enhances personal satisfaction but also fosters a more profound connection with those around you. Take the first step today and see how it changes your journey.

Wishing you a wonderful day,
Chirag Singapuri

P.s Need a kickstart?

Ready to take that first step towards clarity and achievement? Reach out to us for a discovery session. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth or professional excellence, a tailored coaching session could be the boost you need to open new doors

Join our community for a bi-weekly recharge!

For more information on how we can help you, visit us @Selfempowery.com