Let’s be honest—feeling overwhelmed has become the default for many of us. With never-ending to-do lists, deadlines, and responsibilities, it can feel impossible to catch up. But what if the secret to handling all that chaos isn’t in doing more, but in doing less?
This past week was ‘co-working’ week for me. My entire team was in town, which meant I drove into the office every day instead of working from home like I usually do. We had events most evenings, making it one of the busiest weeks I’ve had in a while.
Normally, I’d be stressed about all the things I couldn’t get done, but this time, I did something different. I accepted that I wouldn’t have time to accomplish everything—and it brought an unexpected sense of calm.
Here’s what I learned from embracing the chaos and finding peace in doing less:
1. Acceptance Brings Clarity
When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel scattered, trying to juggle it all at once. By accepting that I didn’t have time to do everything, I was able to focus more clearly on what was truly important. Instead of battling with unrealistic expectations, I concentrated on what I could accomplish in the small windows of time available.
Ask yourself: If you only had 30 minutes this week, what would you focus on? This can help you prioritize and regain control over your time.
2. Doing Less Doesn’t Mean Doing Nothing
Accepting that you can’t do everything isn’t the same as giving up. During co-working week, I focused on making the most of the time I did have. I chipped away at tasks in short, focused bursts rather than trying to take on huge projects. Even small progress adds up, and it helped me avoid that “all-or-nothing” mindset.
3. Taking a Step Back to Move Forward
When you’re buried in tasks, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. By giving yourself permission to step back and do less, you can actually gain more clarity. Think of it like stepping off a treadmill to reassess your pace and direction. That mental space can lead to more effective work in the long run.
I was really surprised by how much inspiration I got from being around my coworkers and not being burdened by everything I normally expect to do in a week.
4. Breaking Tasks Into Smaller Pieces
One of the most effective ways to combat overwhelm is to break tasks into bite-sized pieces. When I realized I couldn’t tackle big projects during co-working week, I adjusted my approach. Instead of trying to complete large tasks, I focused on smaller wins—like starting a very needed wiki and preparing a writeup for a meeting with my product manager. Smaller, achievable tasks kept me moving forward without the stress of unfinished work hanging over me.
5. Self-Care Matters
When you’re running on empty, your productivity and creativity take a hit. By allowing myself to step back and do less, I had more energy to show up for the most important tasks. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a break, refuel, and come back stronger.
The Takeaway: Less Can Be More
If you’re constantly overwhelmed by everything you think you should be doing, it’s time to try a different approach. Accept that you can’t do it all, prioritize what truly matters, and give yourself permission to focus on just the essentials. This simple mindset shift can help you reclaim calm and actually increase your productivity in both work and life.
So, I’ll ask again: What would you do this week if you only had 30 minutes of free time?
You might find that when you stop trying to do everything, you get more of what matters done.