Doing less seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Especially when we’re inundated with the idea that to be a good parent or leader, we have to do more – more activities, more teaching, more coaching. But what if I told you that doing less could actually make you better at both these roles?
Surprising, I know. But there’s a real logic to it, and I’m here to break it down for you.
In this article, I’ll share 8 reasons why doing less can actually make you a better parent and leader. And trust me, once you understand why, you won’t want to go back to your old ways. So let’s dive in!
1) More quality time
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly running from one task to another, with barely a moment to catch your breath? You’re not alone. This is a common experience for many parents and leaders.
But here’s the thing: being constantly busy isn’t necessarily a measure of effective parenting or leadership. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.
When you’re always busy, you might miss out on important moments with your kids or team members. You might miss the chance to truly listen, to understand their worries, hopes and dreams.
Now imagine doing less. Imagine freeing up more of your time – time that can be invested in deep, meaningful interactions with your children or team.
Instead of constantly doing, you’re now available for those spontaneous conversations that build connections and trust.
By doing less, you provide more quality time to the ones who matter most. And that’s what makes you a better parent and leader.
2) Less stress, more calm
I remember those days when I used to juggle multiple tasks at once – helping with homework, preparing meals, responding to work emails, and even trying to squeeze in a little self-care.
It was exhausting, and I was always on edge. The stress of trying to ‘do it all’ took a toll on my patience, and I found myself snapping at my kids and team over minor issues.
Then I decided to do less.
I stopped trying to be everywhere and do everything. Instead, I started focusing on what was truly important. The result? A noticeable drop in my stress levels.
Suddenly, I was calmer, more patient. My kids noticed it. My team noticed it. And they responded by being more relaxed and open around me.
Doing less didn’t make me less of a parent or leader. It made me a healthier one – for myself and for the people around me.
3) Boosts creativity
Here’s something that may surprise you: our brains are not designed to constantly be in ‘go’ mode. In fact, they need periods of rest to function optimally.
When we take a step back and do less, we allow our minds to wander and daydream. This is when our brains switch into what neuroscientists call the ‘default mode network’ – a state linked with creative thinking and problem-solving.
So, by doing less, we’re actually giving ourselves a chance to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. This can make us not just more creative parents and leaders, but also more effective ones.
4) Better decision making
In the world of leadership and parenting, decision-making is a critical skill. The decisions we make can have lasting impacts on our children and teams.
However, when we’re constantly busy and overwhelmed with tasks, our decision-making abilities can suffer. We may end up making impulsive decisions without considering all the options or implications.
But when we choose to do less, we create space for reflection and thoughtful decision-making. We give ourselves the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons, to consider the long-term effects of our choices.
In other words, doing less can lead to better decision-making – and that can make us more effective parents and leaders.
5) Valuing the present moment
There’s a certain joy and fulfillment that comes from being fully present in the moment. Whether it’s watching your child’s first soccer game, or truly listening to a team member’s idea, these moments of undivided attention are precious.
But when we’re constantly preoccupied with our to-do lists, we risk missing these meaningful moments. We may be physically present, but our minds are elsewhere.
By choosing to do less, we free ourselves to live in the here and now. We allow ourselves to fully experience and cherish these fleeting moments.
And in doing so, we become not just better parents and leaders, but more fulfilled individuals too.
6) Learning to let go
I used to think that being a good parent and leader meant having control over everything. I believed that the more I did, the more control I had. But I was wrong.
The truth is, we can’t control everything – and that’s okay. Trying to do so only leads to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction.
Once I learned to let go and do less, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and peace. I learned to trust in my children’s abilities to handle their own challenges, and in my team’s capacity to solve problems.
Doing less taught me the value of letting go, and in turn, made me a better parent and leader.
7) Setting a good example
As parents and leaders, we’re role models. Our actions, attitudes, and behaviors influence those around us, whether we realize it or not.
If we’re always busy, always doing, we inadvertently send a message that this is the way to live. We might unknowingly encourage our children or team members to adopt a similar lifestyle – one that could lead to burnout and stress.
On the other hand, when we choose to do less and prioritize our well-being, we set a healthier example. We demonstrate the importance of balance, of taking time for oneself.
By doing less, we can inspire others to do the same – and that’s an invaluable lesson for any parent or leader.
8) Enhancing relationships
At the heart of both parenting and leadership lie relationships. The bonds we build and nurture with our children and team members are crucial.
When we’re constantly busy, these relationships can suffer. We might miss out on opportunities to connect, to understand, to empathize.
But when we do less, we create more space for these connections to thrive. We can invest more time and energy into understanding and supporting those we care about.
Doing less doesn’t mean caring less. On the contrary, it often means caring more – about our relationships, about the quality of our interactions, and ultimately, about the people who matter most to us.
In essence: Embrace the power of less
At the heart of this journey towards doing less, is a simple yet powerful realization. That to be a better parent or leader, less is often more.
Doing less isn’t about neglecting responsibilities, but about making room for what truly matters. It’s about shifting from doing to being, from quantity to quality.
In the words of Leo Babauta, author and advocate of simplicity: “Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.”
As parents and leaders, our essential lies in the relationships we nurture, the connections we build, the example we set.
So, next time you feel the urge to do more, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself – Is this essential? Can I do less, yet achieve more?
Because sometimes, the greatest impact comes not from doing more, but from doing less.
