BREAK FREE From The Optimization Jail
If you’ve ever felt stuck—like you’re beating your head against the same wall over and over—it might be time to re-evaluate some of your core beliefs. Sometimes, the key to progress isn’t pushing harder but imagining a new approach and being willing to try something different.
For much of my life, I’ve been obsessed with optimization. Like many of you, I’ve pursued the perfect system—waking up early, going to bed at the right time, maintaining to-do lists, and checking all the boxes. But despite my efforts, the results never fully materialized as I envisioned. In fact, at times, I found myself more disorganized than ever.
It wasn’t until I let go of this need for perfection that things started to change. Instead of rigid systems, I picked up a simple notepad and a pen. No complex productivity tools, no intricate tracking methods—just a straightforward way to keep track of what mattered. And surprisingly, I became far more effective.
This shift in mindset extended beyond my task management. I used to be obsessed with maintaining a zero inbox, convinced that clearing my emails daily was crucial. But over time, I realized that constantly striving for an empty inbox was draining my energy. So, I let go. Now, I focus only on the important messages. The rest? It fades into the scrolling pages, unattended but unimportant.
This change brought an unexpected sense of relief. By no longer obsessing over how I get things done, I actually get more done.
The lesson here is simple: sometimes, the systems we build to stay productive end up holding us back. When you feel stuck, take a step back, question your approach, and be open to doing things differently. True efficiency isn’t about rigid structure—it’s about finding what truly works for you.
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Stephen G. Pope
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BREAK FREE From The Optimization Jail
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