planning

Being inundated and exhausted became like a badge of honor at work**, a way to compare to others to convince ourselves that we're doing all we can with the time we have.

All too often, we see this state as something that's happening to us. More priorities at work, do more with less, have to keep up with our co-workers, and keep pace at home and in the community. But the more we take on the less we actually accomplish at work (and in life).

Being discerning is the skill to develop if you hope to have any sense of balance in your life.

Doing the work is about producing something of value, especially to others (ex: designing something, interviewing stakeholders, capturing insights in a Google Doc, drawing a conceptual model, etc). Work produces artifacts that create value for the organization.

Meta-work is everything else you must do to make that work possible. (this can include thinking about what must be done next, in what sequence, what materials or resources you’ll need, who you need to talk with, figuring out when they’re available, scheduling calls, etc). It is part time management, part systems, part habits etc.