Do you feel like you're constantly juggling too many responsibilities, always pushing yourself to do more? I've been there; in fact, I have spent my entire. 30s and 40s being an overdoer, and I've realized that the path to true success isn't about doing more; it's about doing less but better.
I want to share with you, my journey of self-discovery where I recognized my pattern of overdoing and how I am learning the power of setting boundaries and saying no. This realization has transformed and restored my peace of mind, relationships, and a sense of balance in my life and the way I approach success as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Taking on as much as possible was my percieved key to success for the longest time. My super strength is getting shit done, so why not, right? Wrong!
I juggled multiple projects and businesses, and not for profits at a time. I said yes to every opportunity and often found myself broke and burnt out. I needed to consume alacohol to be able to shut down at the end of a day. When I took a step back and examined my life, I realized this approach was unsustainable and detrimental to my health, well-being and pocketbook.
It was not until I started my coaching business that I fully realized this pattern and understood that it was actually holding me back. I made a conscious decision to set boundaries and practice saying no. It wasn't easy at first and still isn't, but I soon benefited from the liberating feeling of regaining control over my time and energy. By prioritizing what truly matters, eliminating unnecessary commitments, and letting go of other people's stress, I created space for what's essential in my life and business.
These words from Marcus Aurelias hit home for me. "If you seek tranquility, do less. Or (more accurately) do what's essential." These words resonated with me deeply. I realized that most of what we say and do is optional. By eliminating the non-essential, we gain more time and tranquility.
Then, I discovered essentialism.
Essentialism is about discerning what truly matters and focusing our efforts there. It's about understanding that success comes from something other than spreading ourselves too thin but from excelling in the areas that align with our core values and goals—sticking with our strengths.
Let me share more about how this transformation has impacted me personally. Before embracing essentialism, I was constantly taking on new projects and getting involved with more. However, I found myself missing out on the joys of life. As previously stated, I needed to drink a bottle of wine and/or binge-watch TV to unwind and let go of the day. I would wake up at 2 a.m. with details I didn't want to forget or conversations that needed to be had and were haunting me.
I've found a new sense of balance and fulfillment by setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters. I now have more time for my family, friends, and the activities I'm passionate about. As an entrepreneur and business leader, I've seen that focusing on fewer projects with more extraordinary dedication has led to better results and a more sustainable path to success.
In the daily grind of our fast-paced lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of overcommitting and overdoing. And if you are anything like me, it seems easier to take on stuff and do it yourself than to delegate. However, I have learned that sustainable success lies in doing less, but better. To delegate, even if it means some things are different from how I would have done them. Embracing essentialism, setting boundaries, and learning to say no have improved my state of mind, productivity, well-being and even my enhanced my effectiveness as a coach.
As you navigate your own journey toward soulful prosperity, remember to ask yourself at every moment, "Is this necessary?" By eliminating the unnecessary, you'll find more time, tranquility, and a path to success that aligns with your valid values.
Your guide to personal and professional transformation,
Jenn Maher
Business Coach, Implementer & Life Force Strategist
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