Ovewhelmed by choice

Lately, I have been struggling with writer’s block. But perhaps not the typical kind.

Rather than feeling like I have nothing to write about, I have felt like there is too much to write about. And this feeling of endless possibilities has in turn led to inaction.

As I became curious about this (at 2 am this morning), I remembered that we are all creators, and we are all artists. And art is often a reflection of what the artist is feeling or experiencing in that moment. And I have felt that same sense of overwhelm I’ve felt with respect to writing in life as of late. A feeling that there are too many (wonderful) choices – from books to read (and order on Black Friday), to things to do, to personal and professional projects to take on. Pulled in many directions and struggling with an inability or refusal to say no. Saying yes to everything and then dealing with the consequences of delivering on an almost impossible set of commitments. This has been my Fall story for years, perhaps decades. A season that is characteristically full of opportunities is an annual test of my ability to say no.

So, as I approach 2024, I am reminding myself of what I teach in my work and know in my heart.
✏ Creativity loves constraints.
🎯 Strategy is about making choices.
💘 And every no paves way for a “Hell Yes!”

How have you embraced a less is more philosophy? How do you decide where to put your focus and energy – and when to say no? What benefits has learning to say no brought to your life?