Why Doing More is Not Always The Answer

Much of the world believes progress and success come from addition. We’ve been taught—explicitly and implicitly—that more is the formula and path to success. More, we’re told, automatically equals better results.

• More Goals.
• More Effort. 
• More Hours. 
• More Pressure. 

Yet, if "more" actually worked and was the solution to success, most people would not feel exhausted while succeeding. 

The Tension "More Creates Beneath the Surface

Here is what many high performers are quietly experiencing: 

• Doing More Than Ever to maintain their success. 
• Doing More Than Before and Achieving the Same or Less. 
• Feeling Heavier, Not Freer.
• Disenchanted With Their Business

This feeling of tension is usually the first signal that something is off. It is much like a warning light flashing on the Dashboard of your car! WARNING! 

A Moment I Did Not See Coming

I had just accepted a leadership role within a failing company. I was ready for the challenge yet, wasn't told the truth about the true condition of the company! I ran full force into MORE because, that is what I believed would turn things around.  I worked longer hours and started doing more of the activities I believed would work (even though they hadn't worked previously). I was stumbling, the pressure building and the reality of failure was weighing heavy! In a moment of clairty, I stepped back, cleared the activities that were not moving me toward my goal, were full of "busy", and identified the activities that showed movement. I gave those activities my full attention and the light began to shine on the true path to success. I did "less" and experienced "more". This was my awakening to "Less Over More".

The Real Problem

The issue is not ambition. It is our automatic default to More. Leaning into old definitions and beliefs of success. 

When we "default", the impact is significant:

• Focus Gets Diluted
• Energy Gets Scattered
• Results Slow DOWN Instead of Compounding
• Frustrations Build
• Discontent Increases
• Desire to "quit" Appears

More loses its power when it is not intentional and is a reaction to the situation. Just doing more may make you feel like you are taking action yet, don't confuse movement with progress.

This Weeks Invitation

Simply notice:

• Where you add effort without questioning it.
  • Did this effort move you toward your goal or simply create a feeling of movement? Was it a form of a distraction?
• Where "more" has become the default answer.
  • You react and busy makes you feel productive.
  • "More" becomes your only strategy.

These simple observations will begin to create your awareness around your default behaviors and allow you to determine if they are the right "more" activities. 

This is your first step in creating clarity around "more".

Awareness IS the first form of clarity.

Tony Caliendo

• Coach | Speaker | Author of Less Over More