Focus, Less Is More
Lesson 24: Focus and Prioritization Build a Richer Life.
In a world that often glorifies multitasking and doing it all, there’s a counterintuitive truth: less is more. True fulfilment and productivity come not from spreading ourselves thin, but from focusing deeply on the few things that truly matter.
Life is filled with endless opportunities, distractions, and demands. But not everything holds equal weight. By prioritizing what is essential—our health, relationships, faith, and key areas of work—we create space for growth and depth, rather than surface-level accomplishments.
“True impact comes from diving deep, not skimming wide. Depth cultivates mastery, while width often breeds mediocrity.”
My Journey: Learning to Do Less
Over the last four years, I experienced a significant boost in productivity. With this newfound efficiency, I began taking on more and more responsibilities. At first, it felt empowering—proof that I could handle it all. But soon, the very productivity systems that had fuelled my success began to falter.
The reason? I had spread myself too thin. My energy was divided across too many tasks, diminishing my ability to excel in any single area. It was a humbling realization: doing more wasn’t helping me grow—it was holding me back.
This year, I have been more intentional in reassessing my commitments. I am beginning to focus on fewer, more meaningful pursuits. While I am still on this journey, this shift has allowed me to regain clarity, improve my performance, and rediscover joy in the work and relationships that matter most.
The Compound Effect of Prioritization
The few things we choose to prioritize—whether it’s nurturing relationships, maintaining our health, or excelling at work—can have a compounding effect. Small, consistent investments in these areas lead to exponential rewards over time.
For instance, prioritizing health leads to increased energy and resilience, which positively impacts every other aspect of life. Strengthening a few key relationships can create a support system that enriches both personal and professional experiences.
A framework that has been helpful, especially in my work, is the 4 Quadrant Prioritization Matrix. Following this framework, I can categorize my tasks and priorities into four categories (Quadrants): Urgent & Important (Q1), Not Urgent but Important (Q2), Urgent but not Important (Q3), and Not Urgent and Not Important (Q4).
I am continuously working towards prioritizing the Not Urgent but Important (Q2), while delegating and deleting Q3 and Q4 tasks, respectively.
How to Apply “Less is More”
- Identify What Matters Most: Take time to reflect on your priorities. What areas of your life bring the most fulfilment and align with your long-term goals?
- Eliminate the Non-essential: Say no to commitments and activities that don’t serve your priorities. Focus your energy on the tasks and relationships that truly matter.
- Deepen Your Investments: Instead of trying to do more, aim to do better. Invest deeply in a few areas rather than spreading yourself thin across many.
- Recognize the Power of Rest: Doing less also means allowing time for rest and recovery. This isn’t laziness; it’s essential for sustainable growth and productivity.
The lesson that “less is more” isn’t about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about doing less of what doesn’t matter so you can do more of what does. By focusing on fewer priorities, you free yourself to live a richer, more intentional life—one that reflects your true values and aspirations.
So,
What can you let go of to focus on what truly matters?
In case you missed lesson 23, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize