How to do less in business to get more -

How to do less in business to get more

I am sure you have heard of the famous expression: “Less is more”.  It has become part of our daily language, often used in the context of style and fashion, but also design, art and more recently lifestyle, as minimalism goes back in fashion. In style context, as women, we have been taught that in order to look elegant, we mustn’t overdo it, reveal less to avoid looking the opposite of elegant, put one or two accents with colour or accessories rather than wear all that you have at once.  Indeed, it makes perfect sense. Less is definitely more when it comes to elegance.

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My friend Pasha shows how this principle works in practice with her simple yet very elegant summer outfit

But outside the world of style, fashion and design, can this same principle apply? And if so how?

This week, I was listening to Roger James Hamilton, Singapore-based author, educator and social entrepreneur, the creator of Wealth Dynamics. One phrase I heard him say really stuck in my head:

“Success is not about what you say yes to but what you say no to.”

Probably it stuck because I have had a busy week and also because I have been speaking to many women about the challenges they are currently facing in their businesses. One of the most common challenges it seems, from my research, is a lack of time. This includes everything from literally not enough time to do everything that needs to be done, to not having a desired life work balance (for the lack of better expression), to not having time to think strategically. All are different aspects of the same problem that affect your life and your business, whether you are trying to take it off the ground, get your first paying client or step into your next level of visibility in a bigger way.

As business owners and solo-preneuers, we are often the CEO, CFO, marketing director and the person implementing all that needs to be done. How can we shine and share our expertise with those who need it if we are busy doing several people’s jobs? Many women are beginning to understand that delegating is key to success and quickly begin to do this as soon as their business takes off, not waiting to have a 6-figure turnover. How much we can delegate will determine how successful or big our businesses can grow. This applies outside your own business too, if you are in a corporate job, and in life in general.

But what do you do if you are not in a position to delegate everything to others either because of where you are in your business and/or your life? The answer is apply the principle of less is more, do less.

While it is clear than doing less will free up some time for being with family, friends, travel or self-care, it may not be immediately obvious how this will help you grow your business.

Doing less allows me to connect with what I love doing and infusing it in my business. PS: Did you read my Monday newsletter about grey being my style inspiration this week?

Doing less allows me to connect with what I love doing and infusing it in my business. PS: Did you read my Monday newsletter about grey being my style inspiration this week?

There is one important element in doing less and it is thinking strategically. That’s what CEO and very successful people do. By filling our schedule with activities and having long lists of things to do we are getting into the “doing” energy and often are so consumed with getting more done that we forget to connect with our strategic vision. Yet, this is the key to success. Many of the women I have spoken with, and myself included, are so focussed on getting things done that we don’t even know why we are doing them half of the time.

How to think strategically, do less and get more in business

1. Connect with your strategic thinking in the morning

First thing in the morning, instead of reaching for your phone or turning on the TV or radio to hear the latest news, spend some time connecting with yourself and your vision for what you desire in life and business. It is important to do this before allowing external information to flood your brain. Ask yourself the question: “What is it that I require to do today in order to get closer to my goal or desire?”. And while you are at it, ask yourself, how can you enjoy this/these actions. Make these actions your priority for the day.

2. Ask the “why” question

When you feel yourself getting busy and beginning to push yourself to get things done, pause and ask yourself why you are doing them. Are they the absolute priority? Is doing all that you put on your to-do list for today the most efficient route to success, growth and visibility you desire? I am often surprised by how this simple reflection and connecting to my goal helps to shift things.

3. Let it go

Take advice from Arianna Huffington: every evening, let go of one object, activity, project or goal that does not serve you any longer. Not only will this help to release what is not a priority, but it will also get rid of the emotional pressure of unmet expectations and heaviness of having a lot on your plate.

 

natalia

Ready to gift yourself the time and space to connect with your strategic vision for your business and life and create a step-by-step plan to get there in the most efficient and enjoyable way? I invite you to book a free discovery session with me here.