2024 — the year of Less
16 ways I'm doing less this year
16 ways I'm doing less this year
As we enter 2024, my focus is clear: simple is better. This is the year of less. It's about stripping away the unnecessary, focusing on what truly matters, and finding contentment in the simplicity of life. Let's dive into what 'less' means for the year ahead.
Less Productivity Hacks
I must trust that I've absorbed, considered, discarded, and actioned the necessary tips and tricks.
Less Software to Solve the Thinking Problem
NoCode is fine, but sometimes less complexity is better.
Less Investing Time in Future Proofing the Process
This is valuable but needs to be done selectively; otherwise, it's time wasted and productivity procrastination.
Less Opinions and News from the World and More Trust in My Own Opinions, Experience, and Knowledge
Less echo chamber of myself and my small circle of friends. Challenge my thinking and opinions deliberately to simplify and find the truth versus seeking to be right.
Less Reading
It's a big one for me because I read every evening, but it's become reading procrastination. Read less but more deliberately to learn, grow, or relax.
Less Relentless Growing
Consolidate what I know and discard what is not helpful.
Less News
There is too much violence, mindless nonsense, and insanity. Enough said. Where I can influence or impact, do so, but realize that this is limited and there's no upside in being across all the destruction across the globe.
Less Work, More Play
A big one post-Covid. Moving to the ocean has been life-changing and energy-giving—more of this. Maintain focus and intensity for work but know when to stop.
More Endless Hobbies and Starting to Learn from Scratch
Guitar, Surfing… no striving to be the best here. Just get a little better each day or when I have time. Not a deadline or outcome-based hobby, and there is no scarcity of sun, sea, or guitar time. Do it when I feel like it. It's good to start something new from scratch that is absorbing.
Less Sitting
Years of working from home and sitting and talking at a computer screen need to return to their proper place—more walking, standing, travelling, and people IRL.
Less Control
More random encounters with strangers or good people I know. It feeds the soul, breaks the echo chamber, and stimulates the mind.
Less Safety
Everything is so predictable and repetitive when it's under control and safe. The unknown path, event, or people are a better choice to feel alive.
Less Thinking
Getting out and doing is always better than overthinking. Just do it.
Less New Stuff
The basics always work. I know that meditation, exercise, good food, and sleep work for me. Do it every day, and I am content.
Less Measuring
Health trackers, sleep trackers, time trackers, and mood trackers are great for identifying trends, but wow — do I need to know every stat every day? How does it make my life better?
Less To-Dos
Face reality and make fewer lists of stuff that keep bouncing down the road. Do what matters and has a positive impact on my life.
This list is not about doing more; it's about doing better.
- Does it make my life better?
- Is it the simplest solution?
- Can I do less and get the same outcome?
- Do I get good energy from this?
