Essayist and poet Henry David Thoreau said, “The really efficient labourer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure. There will be a wide margin for relaxation in his day. He is only earnest to secure the kernels of time and does not exaggerate the value of the husk. Why should the hen set all day? She can lay but one egg, and besides she will not have picked up the materials for a new one. Those who work much do not work hard.”
A lot of wisdom in those words. Reminds me of the idea that 80 per cent of our results come from 20 per cent of our actions. We must focus our efforts on the activities that bring the most fruit. We can be more productive and less busy.
What are the top three things we need to get done today? If we make a list of 40 things, we will run ourselves ragged moving up and down that list and most likely will not complete it. But if we decide what three things will be most valuable if accomplished, our pace can slow down and we can focus on what is important.
Take the time to decide what matters most. What is the kernel of the issue and what is the husk? And map your day around achieving the milestones that will help you climb the mountain.