Stop Doing Too Much

As professionals, consultants, and ambitious individuals, we often fall into the trap of doing too much. The idea of maximizing our contributions can seem noble, but it often backfires. Trying to do everything means doing nothing exceptionally well. Let’s unpack why “doing less” is not just a productivity hack but a strategic necessity for delivering value.

The Problem with Doing Too Much

1. Your Message Gets Lost
   When you juggle too many priorities, your audience—whether clients, team members, or stakeholders—can’t follow your story. They become overwhelmed or, worse, confused. A confused audience doesn’t take action; they hesitate, disengage, or default to skepticism.

2. Your Efforts Are Spread Thin
   Think about this: you can either give 100% to one thing or 10% to ten things. Which will make the bigger impact? By doing too much, you dilute your energy, focus, and expertise. Instead of being known as the expert in one area, you risk being perceived as “good but not great” in many.

3. You Sacrifice Quality for Quantity
   When you’re stretched thin, mistakes creep in. And in consulting (as well as in any profession), mistakes aren’t just costly—they’re trust-breaking. Your credibility as a professional relies on consistently delivering high-quality work.

The Case for Doing Less

Instead of trying to do everything, focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. Here’s why this approach works:

1. You Build Expertise
   By narrowing your focus for a certain duration, you become a specialist rather than a generalist. Specialists are not only easier to trust but also easier to market. A clear area of expertise makes you the go-to person for that niche, increasing your value in the eyes of your clients.

2. You Create Impactful Work
   Doing less allows you to give your best to what matters most. Clients remember the few things done excellently, not the long list of things done “just okay.”

3. You Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
   When you do a few things exceptionally well, it’s easier to share your successes. Marketing your achievements becomes straightforward because you have clear, impactful stories to tell.

The ROI of Doing Less

Doing too many things is a poor return on investment. Think of it like financial investing: you wouldn’t invest equally in every opportunity—you’d focus on the one you believe will deliver the highest return. Similarly, if task A offers significant impact compared to tasks B, C, and D, doubling down on task A can yield exponentially better results.

Instead of dividing your time across tasks with varying ROI (return on investment), identify high-value activities and invest deeply in them. This ensures that the effort you put in directly correlates with the value you deliver.

Focus, Then Market

The mantra “do little, market a lot” may sound counterintuitive, but it’s a proven strategy. Here’s how to implement it:

• Do Little: Choose one or two areas where you can make the biggest impact. Channel your energy, creativity, and time into doing these exceptionally well.

• Market a Lot: Share your wins. Let your network know what you’ve achieved and why it matters. Showcasing your expertise amplifies your influence and attracts opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Doing too much is a trap that leads to mediocrity. By focusing on doing less—and doing it very well—you position yourself as a trusted expert, create a lasting impact, and maximize your return on effort. I know FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, but don’t let it cloud your judgment. Stay focused on what truly matters and invest your energy where it counts the most.

As a consultant, your value isn’t in how much you do but in how much your work changes the game for your clients. So, pick your battles, go all in, and let your work speak for itself.

What’s one thing you can start doing less of today?