Don't get lost in the trees (get more done)

The trees. The details. The minutia. We’ve all been lost there before.

But it’s wasted energy, isn’t it?

The Pareto principle says that 80% of our results come from just 20% of our efforts. The trees — the minutia — are not part of the 20% of high-impact actions. Even though they feel so damn important, they’re usually not.

In my creative work and carefree lifestyle goals, I’m always on the lookout for things that actually move the needle. Getting lost in the trees doesn’t move much.

Minutia can feel so critical sometimes. It’s sneaky like that.

But step back and actually look at it — are you going off random paths and just getting lost in trees that no one else sees?

This leads to obsession and perfectionism, like focusing too much on details that no one else will ever notice (except for maybe a select few).

The more you practice and sharpen your skills, the better the minutia and detail get, naturally. But obsessing too early doesn’t get you further.

Sure, small things add up and they’re not unimportant — but again, they’re usually not a part of the 20% of actions making the biggest splash.

But there’s more. Getting lost in the trees also leads to ‘timing’ issues.

An artist doesn’t take out their fine-tipped brush (for adding the details) until the very end. So don’t take out your tiny brushes either.

Get the outline down. The basic structure and the colors and the emotion you want to convey.

Get yourself 80% to the finish before taking a hike through proverbial trees.

When I follow this strategy, my creative work is easier, less stressful and more consistent. I get more done and move on quicker.

So, do you get lost in the trees?

Later ✌️