Planned Neglect

What is Planned Neglect?

Planned neglect is a strategy where a person deliberately ignores or sets aside certain tasks or issues to focus on more important priorities. It involves choosing not to intervene or address minor problems, allowing them to resolve on their own, while dedicating energy and resources to more critical matters. This concept is often applied in time management or leadership, where intentional inaction in less significant areas can lead to greater overall productivity or effectiveness.

Interesting concept, right? I’m sure many have heard of this strategy before, but for me, it was net-new. Once I did, it made me pause to consider my life and how certain things may be distracting me.

The Struggle

Time management is something I think we all struggle with. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to try to “work smarter, not harder,” enlisting help from countless books, coaches, and hard life lessons. With age and wisdom, I’d like to think that today I’m fairly effective in managing my time, even growing to adopt “banker hours” in my most senior roles.

But time management is not something you can just accomplish once and be done with. I believe you never really “master” time management. It’s something we all need to revisit and reexamine regularly because life keeps adding more and more to our already full plates.

I paused to reflect because I’m feeling weighted by my own “to-do” list, and some of the important, weighty things I hold dear are being put on the back burner. And we all know what happens when we start doing that—the food gets burned. (Am I hungry? I seem to be using a lot of food-related analogies!)

The Young Protégé & Personal Reflection

A young concert violinist was asked the secret of her success. She replied, “Planned neglect.” She shared how, during her time in school, she used to let small tasks—like making her bed or tidying her room—eat into her practice time. Frustrated by her lack of progress, she made a deliberate shift: she chose to neglect everything else until her violin practice was complete. This act of intentional focus, she believes, was the key to her success.

This story resonated with me on a personal level. In my own life, when I wake up and don’t commit to practicing my Bible study and reflection first thing in the morning, it weighs on me throughout the day. Even when I finally get to it, I find myself rushing through it, distracted, and not giving it the full attention it deserves. Much like the violinist’s experience, I realize that without a firm commitment to making this a priority, my spiritual practice suffers.

I’m learning that just like the violinist, I must plan to neglect the small distractions in favor of what nourishes my soul. When I intentionally prioritize my time with God, everything else seems to fall into place.

William James’ Wisdom

William James (1842–1910) was an American philosopher and psychologist, often considered one of the most influential thinkers in both fields. In Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell, William James is quoted as saying, “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” Maxwell uses this to emphasize that many of us let the petty and mundane consume our time, causing us to focus on the wrong things.

Sounds simple, right?

Planned neglect is a productivity strategy that by consciously choosing what to neglect, individuals can direct their energy toward what truly matters, ultimately increasing productivity and fulfillment.

Below are suggestions for consideration on how you may incorporate this strategy into your daily life.

1. Setting clear priorities: Focus on activities that align with your long-term goals, while delaying or eliminating tasks that don’t serve them.

2. Creating time for essential work: Like the example of shifting morning routines to make time for writing or creative projects, you can find areas in your life where small changes free up time for what truly matters.

3. Allowing minor imperfections: Accept that not everything needs to be done perfectly or immediately.

21 Days

While the adage that it takes 21 days to break a habit is considered to be a myth to many, I like it as it sets intention and accountability. I’ve often practiced 21-day fasts, and for me, whatever yoke I’m focused on breaking actually happens—or at least it’s set into motion.

As I reflect on the concept of planned neglect, I’m reminded of how easily we can allow distractions—however small—to interfere with our most important work. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the nonessentials, but by intentionally choosing what to set aside, we gain the clarity and focus necessary to make real progress.

I encourage you, my Muse, to take a moment this week to evaluate your own “to-do” list. What can you set aside to make space for what truly matters? Whether it’s giving yourself the grace to delay perfection or creating uninterrupted time for something meaningful, you have the power to decide.

Here’s to embracing intentional neglect, not to avoid responsibility, but to make room for the tasks that will bring you closer to your highest goals.

Go forth and be the way. Until next time, stay focused on what matters most.

I'm rooting for you, always.

With grace and gratitude,

Amani D.