Midweek Momentum: Doing Less, Achieving More

Hi friend,

There’s a lot of talk about doing less to achieve more, but when was the last time you really stopped and asked yourself, What can I eliminate from my to-do list?

We often think progress is about adding—more habits, more goals, more hours in the day. But sometimes, the real magic happens when we subtract.

I learned this the hard way. At one point, my schedule was overflowing with commitments. Meetings, projects, daily tasks—it felt like I was juggling a thousand things at once, and none of them were getting the attention they deserved. Then, I had a moment of clarity. Not everything on my plate needed to be there.

So, I took an hour to go through my tasks and asked myself two questions:

• Is this truly necessary?

• Is this helping me reach my goals?

If the answer to both was no, it got cut. That one hour changed everything. I felt lighter, more focused, and more in control of my time.

This week, I challenge you to do the same. Pick one area of your life—your workday, your evening routine, or even your to-do list—and identify one thing to eliminate. It might surprise you how much clarity and progress that simple act can bring.

STORIES FROM THE PATH: JUST JUMP IN

Everyone talks about meticulously planning their business—saving money, strategizing ideas, ensuring a smooth start. It sounds smart, right?

Not me.

I once stumbled across someone talking about starting a used Amazon media business—and without a second thought, I just did it.

No business plan. No money. Absolutely no clue what I was doing.

I remember my first day vividly. I walked into a thrift store with $20 in my pocket and no idea what I was looking for. I scanned books with a borrowed scanner, hoping to find something—anything—that would sell. It was chaotic, messy, and honestly, a little embarrassing.

But you know what? That $20 turned into $100. And that $100 turned into $500. Before I knew it, I had a full-blown business on my hands.

Was it risky? Definitely. Was it messy? You bet. But sometimes, the best way to figure things out is to throw yourself into the deep end and learn as you go.

Planning has its place, but don’t let it hold you back. Progress often starts when you stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and just begin.

YOUR SHORTCUT TO TRANSFORMATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

If you are serious about growth, the right books can change everything.

I put together 28 Books to Read: A guide to the most influential books I have read that shaped my thinking, decision-making, and approach to business and life.

These books are not just interesting reads. They are the ones that made the biggest impact on my success, mindset, and ability to execute at a high level.

Want to know which books had the biggest influence?

Download the list here: 28 Books to Read

 Knowledge does not change your life. Applying the right knowledge does.

QUICK WIN: THE DECISION SHORTCUT

Ever feel stuck on a decision? Whether it’s small, like what to tackle next, or big, like taking on a new project, indecision can drain your energy and derail your focus.

Here’s a simple shortcut that’s helped me move forward faster. Think about the impact of your decision over time. Ask yourself:

• Will this matter in a week?

• In a month?

• In a year?

If the answer is no, it’s probably not worth overthinking.

Most of the decisions that stress us out don’t actually have long-term consequences. Letting go of unnecessary mental clutter can feel freeing and help you focus on what truly matters.

Next time you’re stuck, try this out. You might be surprised how much lighter and clearer you feel.

Stay focused (or at least pretend to),
Jonathan

P.S. What’s one insight or idea from this newsletter that resonated with you? Hit reply. I’d love to hear your thoughts.