Less is More

Last night, I slept 9 hours.

And according to my sleep tracker, the sleep quality was 98%.

I feel great.

But the Puritanical voice in me says, “you should be working more and resting less.”

And, “you’re using this ‘work smart’ idea as an excuse to not work.”

Noticing this voice is Step 1.

Step 2 is appreciating it. He clearly wants to get needs met for accomplishment, actualization, integrity, joy, excitement. He knows that work will leverage future gains.

But Step 3 is asking if his advice is correct.

Because another part of me chimes in, “No, getting that rest is worth it in the long haul for your health. Plus, you’ll increase productivity because your brain is functioning optimally. Don’t confuse time spent with productivity.”

The challenge is accepting the fact that the second voice is correct.

When I was in college, I would dogmatically practice my trumpet at least 2 hours a day (not including hours more of ensemble rehearsals).

But I didn’t exercise. And I didn’t employ the time intentionally, specifically, and wisely. My results suffered.

But the Puritanical voice was satisfied. I put in the hours.

Meanwhile, I’d hear about a pianist who only practiced 1 hour per day. And he was thriving.

The point here is: we’ve been trained to think working is noble, no matter the results.

But what matters is results. What matters is impact.

Never forget that.

Count the hours less.

Put more into them.