Slow down and start moving the needle

We live in a world where being busy is too often mistaken for being effective. Doing something feels like progress. Activity is worn as a badge of honor. But let’s be honest: that’s simply not true.

Over the past three decades, I’ve worked with thousands of professionals across industries and continents. The pattern is clear: many of us feel constantly overwhelmed. They go back to back from meeting to meeting, inbox to inbox. They are glued to their phone. They’re overly optimistic about how long things take. As a result, sickness levels are higher than ever. Burnouts everywhere.

The uncomfortable truth? Being busy all day doesn’t mean you’re moving forward.

I’ve experienced this first-hand. When our daughters were little, every summer holiday started the same way: during the first week, I’d feel off. My body was telling me what I refused to acknowledge — I had pushed too hard. My body was talking to me... and I wasn't listening. Learning to manage my energy and focus has been one of the hardest, yet most valuable, lessons in my own leadership journey.

So, how do we change course?

Start by slowing down to focus on what really matters. Pareto’s principle teaches us that roughly 20% of our efforts produce 80% of our results. The key is to identify those few actions that truly move the needle — and have the courage to let go of the rest.

A couple of years ago we applied this approach with one leadership team we worked with, the results were striking. A great team and delivering very good business results. But this also came at a cost. More than 50% of the team felt that they were close to burning out. By eliminating three recurring meetings and refocusing that time on their top two strategic priorities, the team freed up nearly 10 hours a week. Within a quarter, they saw measurable progress in innovation, engagement, and customer satisfaction. Their bottom line EBITDA-results only improved in the 36 months thereafter. Less noise, more impact.

Now it’s your turn. Eliminate one low-impact task from your schedule this week. Invest that time into the 20% that creates real value. And to make it stick, tell someone about your commitment — your team, a colleague, or even post it publicly. When you make it visible, you make it real and you increase your own chances for success.

Slow down. Refocus. Move the needle.

I hope this inspires you to act.

Paul Donkers



Paul P.J. Donkers is a global business coach and consultant. He and his partners work with leadership teams to unlock growth and value.

Find out more at www.tencompany.org or www.ikigaicoachinginstitute.com.

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