The secret to life, I reckon, is to do less.

It’s that simple.

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Exhausting

We’re drowning in noise.

Especially a people pleaser like me. I can feel my energy sapped by every unanswered messaged. It’s exhausting.

Napoleon had a wonderful way of dealing with this:

“It was a whimsical economy of the same kind which dictated [Napoleon’s] practice, when general in Italy, in regard to his burdensome correspondence.
He directed Bourrienne to leave all letters unopened for three weeks, and then observed with satisfaction how large a part of the correspondence had thus disposed of itself and no longer required an answer.”

Isn’t that good.

It’s a lovely idea to respond to everyone, but do that and you’d be employed in nothing else.

Besides, no one really cares.

When I have an inbox full of unanswered emails the narrative in my head is they’re eagerly waiting my response. They’re not, of course. They’re too bogged down in their own correspondence.

I doubt they even remember they emailed. I’m certainly not sparing much thought to the thousands of my emails that go unanswered.

Underemployed

It’s not just correspondence:

Meetings, to do lists, you name it.

I certainly try to do too much. In the course of writing this post I’ve archived my whole inbox and ripped up my to do list. (except getting a haircut, that’s staying)

I feel better already.

The important things have a funny way of resurfacing. And besides, an emptier agenda means it’s easier to do the important things when they do crop up.

Amos Tversky has the right idea:

“The secret to doing good research is always to be a little underemployed. You waste years by not being able to waste hours.”

Progress

Here’s my challenge to you this week:

Do less.

Cancel half your meetings, throw out your to do list, shorten your work days.

Personally it’s those weeks that are the most productive. When I’m not scrambling from one meeting the next. When I have time to read, to wander.

Progress often comes in flashes of insights with startups: My God, we’ve been doing it all wrong. Optimise for those.

Sure, the constant improvement is important. But does that really come from 12 hours a keyboard? I doubt it.

So give it a whirl. Let a few emails go cold. Cancel a few projects. And just for once:

Try and be a little underemployed.

My Week in Books📚

Back from a week’s holiday. Much time to read:

Chess Story by Stefan Zweig

A wonderful short story. Zweig’s a brilliant writer. Easy read & engaging.

The Art of Execution by Lee Freeman-Shor

What separates the best investors from the rest? Execution. Enjoyed this one. A good grounding in resource allocation.

Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald

A road map for Rewilding Britain. Very compelling.

Am I Being too Subtle by Sam Zell

Zell’s a character. Entertaining book and a good education in deal making.

More Money than God by Sebastian Mallaby

Loved his book on Venture Capital. This is just as good. A history of hedge funds through the colourful characters that dominate the space.

Book recommendations welcome & encouraged. Just hit reply! 🙏

Unplugged Latest 🌳📵

This coming up this week. Should be interesting..

A Final Thought 💡

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
- Leonardo Da Vinci

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