Accomplish more by doing less.

If we try to be in four places at once and make promises we cannot keep, we end up with high blood pressure, no energy, high anxiety and stress, we end up accomplishing less and hurting the people we love. It seems to ring especially true in the Christian community.

There seems to be a misconception that if we do not say “yes” to each and every request, and drop what we are doing to help others whenever there is a need, we are somehow not good witnesses and not loving others the way we should. While it’s important to give abundantly and love others, you can’t be your best self to others if you are running on fumes with 4 hours of sleep, stressed out, and out of shape.

Believe it or not, time is finite. You can’t multitask. You can’t do three things at the same time effectively no matter how much you tell yourself you can. In order to escape the burnout trap, prioritize and do less. Identify what is most important. God, your health, family, friends. Not all requests from others’ “needs” are created equal. Success is about cutting out the stuff that doesn’t matter and honing in on the few things that matter.

KISS – keep it simple, stupid. Simplify and only spend your time on the stuff that matters. You have to take care of yourself first through proper sleep, diet, exercise, surrounding yourself with the right people, to be the best that you can be. Contrary to popular belief, you will actually be able to accomplish more by not spreading yourself too thin.

Do less and only do those things that are consistent with your health and the stuff that matters. Cut out all the rest. You’ll be glad you did. So will your loved ones.