“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”
Michael Porter
What will you take away this year?
Yes, the “new year, new you” vibes have come and most likely gone – the first quarter of the year is all but over. As we settle into 2026 for real, it’s an opportunity for us to step back and reset. But it’s not now about how much more. I’m strongly encouraging you to instead think about what not to do.
Here are a few areas to consider streamlining:
1. What you are doing: Your schedule is already too packed. There is no margin. What are you doing because it’s the norm, even though it doesn’t serve your current priorities? Jamie Dimon, Wall Street veteran, often talks about his deliberate choice not to have an active social life, despite that being the norm for someone in his role. He realized he couldn’t deliver performance, have a family, and maintain an active social life. Focusing on what truly matters requires trade-offs.
2. What you are consuming: The scrolling. The WhatsApp group content. Even the daily dose of added sugar. It all adds up. What can you remove for better focus, better energy, better rest?
3. What you are carrying: What emotional baggage are you holding on to? The need to respond. The need to prove a point. The need to be understood – or to understand. It’s draining. As you grow older, you learn the art of being at peace with unresolved issues. I encourage you not to wait. Not everything needs a reaction. And while some things may need closure, don’t assume you have to get it from someone else. Choose to give yourself closure – and drop it.
What are the things you will do less or stop doing? That’s the focus this quarter. Strip away the non-essentials, make room to go deeper in the focused few, and watch your results drastically improve. Not by doing more, but truly by doing less.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the things you plan to stop doing this quarter.
Wishing you a “lighter” Q2.
Yours in possibilities,
TKO