When to walk away
Hey friends,
If there’s one trap I’ve fallen into time and again, it’s definitely spreading myself too thin. For those of us who hate leaving stones unturned, the idea of "doing it all" can feel like the only way forward. But overloading yourself isn’t just unsustainable—it’s self-sabotage.
I’ve learned this the hard way. Growing up without a safety net, I developed this habit of diversifying everything—from working multiple jobs to learning the most different skills—no matter the mental cost.
My motto was simple: always be prepared for the worst.
That mindset served me well—until it didn’t.
Over time, my poor ability to prioritize caught up with me and I had to seriously scale back on my work. I quickly realized that trying to do everything wasn’t a strength; it was a coping mechanism that actually ruined my productivity and mental health.
So today, I’m going to show you how to focus on what truly matters so you can work smarter, not harder. We'll talk about:
- How to identify the tasks that deserve your energy
- The importance of setting achievable goals
- When to say “no” to protect your mental health
Let’s dive in.
How to stop doing too much and focus on what matters
Know what matters to you
Not all tasks are created equal. Start by identifying what aligns with your long-term goals and values. I use a tool called the Eisenhower Matrix to separate urgent and important tasks from distractions. Ask yourself, "Will this matter a year from now?" If not, it’s probably not worth your immediate attention.
Set your own limits
High standards are great, but perfectionism can paralyze you. Define what “good enough” looks like and aim for that. Setting achievable milestones helps build momentum and prevents you from overcommitting. Remember, progress trumps perfection every time.
It's OK to say no
Opportunities will always be abundant, but your time and energy aren’t. Saying “no” isn’t just about turning down tasks, but it's essential to protect the things that truly matter. Practice setting boundaries, both with others and with yourself, to create space for meaningful work.
Burnout doesn’t have to be part of your story. The key is to start small and scale it when you feel like to. Don't rush it. After all, achieving balance is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness and intentional effort.
And if you're struggling to prioritize and avoid overwhelm, here are some resources to help you:
- "Essentialism” by Greg McKeown (a great read on focusing on what’s essential)
- Todoist (the most minimalistic and easy-to-use to-do list planner IMO)
- BeTimeFull (a handy browser extension that removes distracting elements from websites like videos and newsfeeds or your feed on social media!)
Thanks for reading—and for being part of this journey with me.
Until next week,
Irene
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