Recently I read Joshua Becker’s post (from Becoming Minimalist) about 12 things America already has enough of. It’s funny, but in its humor lies truth. If you’ve ever tried to fit just one more mug in your kitchen cabinet, you may have already realized that you probably have…enough! While Becker was writing about physical stuff, it got me to thinking about the TIME stuff that we all already have enough of. In most cases, too much! In the pursuit of being more productive, we often think the answer lies in adding more — more tools, more systems, more hacks. But in truth, productivity is just as much about subtraction. Simplifying. Streamlining. Letting go of the clutter — both digital and mental — that weighs us down.
Here are 10 time-sucking things most of us already have more than enough of:
1. Tools and Apps
We don’t need another planner, project management platform, or to-do list. There is no “magic tool”. No *thing* will help you get more done or make you more organized with your time and energy. There is no planner and no app that will magically make you more productive. What will work is choosing just one – the least complicated, most simple tool – and using it consistently, day after day, week after week, until it becomes a habit.
2. Meetings
Most could be replaced with a concise email, shared doc, or 15-minute check-in. Stop booking yourself (or booking your team) in back-to-back meetings all day, every day. Be ruthless in blocking out focused time so you can actually get your most important work done!
3. Notifications
Every ping chips away at focus. What we need isn’t more alerts — it’s more quiet, and less distraction. That stuff just leads to time-sucking, wasted brain time. Turn off all those visual and auditory notifications. You won’t miss them!
4. Information
There’s no shortage of advice, books, or podcasts. The real challenge is applying what we already know. Stop researching, stop looking for the perfect solution, and JUST DO IT.
5. Multitasking
We’ve mastered doing three things at once poorly. It’s time to rediscover the power of focus. As much as we like to think we’re doing two things at once, it’s not possible for the human brain to really focus on more than one thing at a time. You can’t read emails and texts and get that blog written or work on the next step of your big project. All you’re doing is switching your focus back and forth and wasting time and energy (and quality) in the process.
6. Perfectionism
“Done” will always beat “flawless.” Progress matters more than polish. And honestly, no one cares if that spreadsheet is color-coded and formatted perfectly. They just want the numbers. “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.” (Harry Truman)
7. Commitments
Our calendars are full, but our energy isn’t. Choose depth over breadth. Remember that every time you say “yes” to something that will take your time and energy, you must say “no” to something else. Choose wisely.
8. Emails
Inbox zero means little if the inbox fills up faster than you can manage. Boundaries beat filters every time. The less email you produce, the less you receive. Stop using “reply all” when “reply to sender” is sufficient. Stop copying everyone whether or not they need to be copied. Remember that your email address is valuable property – don’t just give it away for a 5% discount. And – unsubscribe like it’s your job!
9. Distractions Masquerading as Work
We confuse busyness with productivity. Checking boxes isn’t the same as moving forward. Are you getting many things done at the expense of getting the most important things done? Prioritize, and don’t let yourself get caught up in doing a hundred minor things while the major stuff languishes.
10. Decision Fatigue
Every small choice drains mental energy. Simplify routines and automate wherever possible — your brain will thank you. Create checklists, schedules, and rituals that don’t require making a decision every single time. Make the small decisions once, so your brain has the energy for the big decisions when you need it.
The secret to getting more done isn’t about finding the perfect system — it’s about clearing away the noise so what matters most can rise to the top.
If you’re ready to streamline your systems, reclaim your time, and focus on what truly moves you forward, let’s connect. As a productivity coach, I help professionals create the clarity, structure, and habits they need to get more done — with less stress.
