Do you want knowledge or wisdom?
Cyril Peupion
► Team Well-being & Productivity Specialist ► Work-Life Balance & Control ► People Engagement & Energy
A recent study by Leidy Klotz and his team revealed something interesting. Participants were given a jam-packed 14-hour itinerary for visiting Washington, D.C. and asked to improve it.
Surprisingly, only 25% of people removed activities. Most added even more to the already overloaded schedule!
This study reflects how many of us approach work and life. We think that to do better, we need to do more. But often, this mindset leads to stress, overwhelm, and burnout.
In this video, I want to discuss a really key principle of performance, which is Eliminating.
Today’s leaders and professionals face a constant flood of tasks, emails, and meetings. With so many priorities, everything starts to feel important—and that’s a problem. If everything is important, then nothing truly is.
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said:
“To gain knowledge, add things every day. To gain wisdom, subtract things every day.”
The key to better performance isn’t adding more; it’s eliminating what doesn’t matter. Doing less isn’t about being lazy; it’s about focusing on what really matters.
Here are three simple ways to start:
1. Cut Down Your Priorities
Many of us try to juggle too many priorities, thinking it will help us succeed. But real success comes from focusing on just a few important goals.
Ask yourself: What’s truly important? Say no to everything else—even if it’s a good idea.
2. Simplify Your To-Do List
Look at your task list. Does it feel endless? It’s probably filled with things you don’t need to do.
Identify tasks that:
Fewer tasks mean more focus on what matters.
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3. Learn to Say No
It’s hard to say no when people ask for help. We want to be helpful and supportive. But saying yes to everything leaves no time for your top priorities—or for the people who matter in your personal life.
Practice saying no politely but firmly. Protect your time and energy for what’s most important.
So, my question to you is: Are you among the 75% of people who instinctively believe that improving performance means adding more tasks?
If so, what should you start saying no to?
This is this week's Work Smarter: Live Better tip.
Hope you have a lovely day!
A bientôt,
Cyril
P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 4 ways I can help you be in control
1. Grab a free copy of my weekly plan
It is a simple tool but very important process to spend 2hrs more per day on your business and personal priorities.
2. Check my video blogs
For my clients, I record regular tips to keep the momentum on challenging their work habits. I have now made the previous video blogs available to all.
3. Get a copy of my book, Work Smarter: Live Better
Pushed by my clients, I wrote a book about practical ways to transform your life by changing your work habits.
4. Work with me and my team privately
If you are feeling swamped: by emails, by meetings, by things to do and you’d like me and my team to work directly with you … just send me an email or direct message and tell me a little about your team and business, and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll personally be in touch!