I didn’t catch the name of the book but someone I follow said she read this (actually, heard it on an audiobook), and it stopped her in her tracks. Pointless? Most things?
If that’s true, the world has some ‘splainin to do.
Actually, I agree with the statement. I wouldn’t use the word ‘pointless’, but most of what we do is trivial, at least compared to the most important things we do.
Or could do.
Signing up a new client, settling a big case, launching a newsletter or website—these are important. They put food on the table, pay our rent, and help us move forward towards achieving our goals.
We can’t say that about most of the things we do.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t do them. Some things just have to be done and we’re the ones who have to do them. So they’re not pointless. Just not our ‘most important tasks’.
And we should, we must, prioritize our most important tasks, if we are to get where we want to go.
Okay. You probably know your most important tasks. They’re already a priority for you. It’s everything else that’s not so clear.
Writing that demand letter is a priority. Is editing it again (and again) a priority or is ‘good enough’ good enough?
Unfortunately, we spend a lot of time in that gray area. And a lot of time doing things that aren’t worth doing.
If we can identify these less valuable (pointless?) tasks, and eliminate them, do them less often, or do them more quickly, we could multiply our effectiveness.
(Yes, this is the 80/20 Principle).
Here’s a thought about how to do that:
Assume that everything on your list is ‘pointless’. Unnecessary. Or not worth the time or energy it takes to do. And make every task ‘prove’ to you otherwise.
Challenge everything and ruthlessly cut anything that doesn’t pass the test.
And, when you’re ready to add a new task (or step) to your list, make “no” or “not now” your default.
