Less, But Better: A Kinder Approach to Getting Things Done

Note from Jamie

I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.

Less, But Better: A Kinder Approach to Getting Things Done

I recently listened to Dr. Cal Newport on The Mel Robbins Podcast. They discussed his book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, and a concept that really stuck with me:

Do fewer things. Work at a natural pace. Obsess over quality.

In other words, less, but better.

As someone who is deeply committed to mindful self-compassion, this idea really resonated with me. Because while I love accomplishing things, I'm also learning that constantly pushing myself to do more isn't necessarily helping me live better.

And sometimes, doing more just leaves me feeling depleted.

Fewer Priorities, Greater Impact

Every year, I choose two areas of Nourish to really focus on.

For the past few years, those areas have been email marketing and events. I certainly don't neglect the other parts of the business, like our retail partnerships, corporate partnerships, and product development. But I intentionally dedicate a disproportionate amount of my time and energy to those two priorities.

This year, for example, I've scheduled more than 70 events for Nourish. I also send two emails each week, including the weekly newsletter you're reading right now.

Those are meaningful commitments, and they take a lot of time.

But here's the thing: I still try to do more.

I still work on the website. I think about the hundred ways we could better serve our retail partners. I create social media content. I lead the Nourish team. I think about new products and opportunities.

Even though I know what my two priorities are, I still find myself trying to squeeze in everything else.

Sound familiar?

Listening to Cal reminded me that focusing on fewer things doesn't mean we're accomplishing less. In fact, he discusses research suggesting that a more focused approach can significantly increase our output while helping us avoid burnout.

And just as importantly, we can feel energized by our work instead of constantly depleted by it.

That's the kind of productivity I want.

What If I Applied This to Everyday Life?

As I thought about slow productivity, I started considering how I could apply the same principle outside of work.

My closet, for example.

Instead of buying something because it's on sale or because I think I should have it, what if I focused on purchasing pieces I genuinely love?

I know I like how I look in black. I like solid colors. I know which styles make me feel comfortable and confident.

Perhaps I stop buying clothes with hot pink stripes just because they're cute in the moment. (LOL!)

Less shopping. Better choices. A closet filled with things I actually wear.

What about food?

Instead of grazing on several meh snacks because nothing is quite satisfying, what if I focused on choosing fewer, higher-quality foods that truly nourish me?

Less, but better.

It's such a simple shift, but it invites me to be more intentional about what I'm bringing into my life rather than simply accumulating more.

My To-Do List Is Actually a Wish List

One of Cal's recommendations that really stood out to me was time-blocking your day instead of relying solely on a to-do list.

Because, let's be honest, my to-do list is often more of a wish list.

I'm someone who significantly overestimates what I can accomplish in a day. I can look at a list of 15 things and genuinely believe I can get them all done.

Spoiler alert: I cannot.

I've started assigning tasks to specific blocks of time throughout my day, and it's already helping me become more realistic about what I can accomplish.

It's also helping me stay focused.

If I've dedicated the next hour to writing, I have to resist the temptation to check email, update the website, or suddenly decide that something else needs my attention.

I'm not trying to become rigid or inflexible. I'm trying to become intentional.

And perhaps most importantly, time-blocking forces me to prioritize. Since I cannot do everything, I have to decide what matters most.

That's a surprisingly freeing realization.

Getting It Out of My Head

I also did something I've been meaning to do for a while: a good old-fashioned brain dump.

I wrote down everything I feel like I need to do.

Every project. Every little task. Every idea that keeps popping into my head while I'm trying to focus on something else.

And you know what? I felt a little lighter.

There's something comforting about knowing those thoughts have been captured somewhere other than my brain. I don't have to keep mentally rehearsing them for fear that I'll forget something.

Of course, there's a LOT on that list.

Now comes the harder part: reviewing it through the lens of less, but better.

Does everything deserve to stay?

Does organizing my pantry really need to be a priority right now?

Probably not. 😂

Some things can wait. Some things don't need to happen at all. And some things deserve my full attention.

I'm learning to tell the difference.

Become the Person, Not Just Achieve the Goal

I've also been thinking about something I heard on another podcast about habits.

The idea was to focus less on the goal itself and more on the identity of the person you want to become.

For example, instead of setting a goal to make my bed every morning, I tell myself:

"I'm the type of person who makes my bed."

Then I walk upstairs, see my unmade bed, repeat that thought, and make it.

I've made my bed every day for the past three weeks.

This is a HUGE win for me because I've gone decades without consistently making my bed. Yes, I know. 😂

But what I love about this approach is that it shifts the conversation from What am I supposed to accomplish? to Who am I choosing to become?

I want to be someone who follows through on the small things that matter to me. Someone who creates a little more order and ease in her day. Someone who honors her intentions without demanding perfection.

And I think that matters so much more than whether my bed is made.

A Little Less Doing. A Little More Living.

At the end of the day, I'm always striving to do better. Not because I'm not enough as I am, but because I believe there's room for more joy, more ease, and more intentional living.

I'm excited about these new learnings and the ways they might change how I approach my work, my home, and my everyday life.

And I'm reminding myself that I don't have to do everything to have a meaningful, productive day.

I just have to choose what matters most and give it my attention.

Less, but better.

Maybe that's not just a productivity principle.

Maybe it's a kinder way to live.

xoxo,
Jamie

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