How to Do Less
I almost didn’t include this section, as to me it seems obvious: you just … do less. But I realize it’s not obvious to everyone, so I’ll share a few tips (many are familiar to long-time readers):
* Slowly cut back on non-essential commitments.
* Have fewer meetings.
* Say no to requests, as much as possible, so you can focus on doing something great.
* Cut out distractions, especially the Internet.
* Single-task and focus.
* Churn out a shitty first draft, then edit.
* Edit some more. Make it beautiful and minimal.
* Make it something you will be proud to claim credit for.
* When you find yourself doing busy-work, stop, put it off, find ways to cut that out of your life.
* Whatever blocks you from doing your great work, kill it.
* Set limits on how many things you do each day.
* Focus on the most important tasks first, before you get distracted.
* Set limits on your work hours.
It won’t happen overnight. Change gradually, but surely.
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.” – E.F. Schumacke
http://zenhabits.net/2009/09/8-ways-doing-less-can-transform-your-work-life/