Lessons from my wardrobe for work and life
Leading an executive team offsite recently, a familiar concern surfaced: too much to do, and the fear that fresh ideas would just add to the workload.
This got me thinking about a simple but effective practice from my personal life: my husband's approach to his wardrobe versus mine.
His Approach: For every new item he buys, he either gives away or throws out an existing piece. If he isn't ready to make space, he won't buy anything new.
My Approach: I tend to just add new items to my already crowded wardrobe, often with the intention of eventually sorting through it all. But more often than not, I either don't get around to it or I think, "I might need this someday," and it stays.
The Result: He always finds what he needs effortlessly. Meanwhile, I feel overwhelmed by the clutter and often forget what I have.
Key takeaways for the workplace
1. Make Space: Before taking on new projects, identify what can be stopped or removed.
2. Prioritise: Is this new idea truly superior to your current plans? Decide what merits your focus and resources.
3. Limit Your Load: You'll produce your best work when you're not bogged down by an overwhelming number of tasks. Trim the excess.
4. Delegate and Recycle: Do you need to handle everything yourself? Determine what can be delegated or outsourced.
5. Revise and Refresh: Periodically review all ongoing tasks. Identify what needs a fresh perspective, what has lost its importance, and what can be revitalised.
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