What popped into your head with the title of this piece? All I could think was, how did I never think of this before? The words leapt off the page in the midst of devouring Atomic Habits by James Clear. Clear is one of the world’s leading experts in the formation of habits. It makes so much damn sense. Your goal is not what makes you successful, your habits are. That's your system to success. Success is the eventual measure of good habits.

A close friend is struggling. He's feeling overwhelmed in his job. It's affecting his home life. His boss expects a lot and never gives credit for the little wins. He's expected to work long hours, have perfect execution and know exactly what to do at all times. He feels like he has to say yes to everything that comes across his desk. Do you feel sympathy for what he's going through? Of course you do! You're not a heartless bastard. We can't help but feel compassion for a friend being in a position like this. Here's the problem... we all have a boss like this. The world’s worst boss is you (and me).

My mind was a couple of miles ahead of us, thinking about the business, what I had to do, and how I couldn't wait for it to take off. In an effort to bring myself back to the moment, I turned to my Dad riding beside me and asked: "Is there anything you'd do differently when you were my age?" His advice helped me see that sometimes we get so caught up in trying to accomplish something big, that we fail to notice all the little things that give life its magic.

It's time to focus on what matters. The modern world will throw everything imaginable at you with time-consuming temptations. No matter who you are, you're given twenty-four-hours at the strike of twelve. Nothing more. Nothing less. Whatever you focus your time on is a decision of how you want to spend your energy. Energy is the currency of a happy, healthy, purpose-driven life. The point is: Don't exchange what you want most for what you kind of want at the moment.

I'm going to ask you a question and hold the space for you to sit a moment in reflection. I want you to try your best to ignore the impulsive desire to read on. I know you're busy and that's why I'm so appreciative of the fact you've taken a couple minutes to spend with me. One thing I bet we both have in common is a list of things we think we should be doing. Put that list aside and let us explore the power of asking, what is necessary and true about where you are right now? How does it feel to embrace this present reality?

From an early age, I adopted a belief like many of us that achievement, success, and knowledge only come from working batshit-crazy hours. Keeping up with the pace of modern culture is a major contributor to record burnout rates. A laundry list of projects and dreams further overwhelm you when they fizzle out. Battling with this tug-of-war mentality of wanting to do more great work but still live a happy, healthy, purpose-driven life drew me into seeking the knowledge of those before me. What I discovered may surprise you. You can get more done when you work less.