The smartest career move might just be doing less — but can we really afford to slow down? We've long been told that success comes from cramming more into every minute: more meetings, more emails, juggling side projects, and chasing endless KPIs. Yet as we approach 2026, the boldest, smartest career strategy could actually be about subtracting — deliberately doing less to achieve more. But here's where it gets controversial: while many still see busyness as a sign of commitment, what if that relentless pace is actually holding us back?
For years, productivity gurus, wellness advocates, and exhausted workers alike have been warning that we’ve hit what can only be described as peak busy. Our schedules overflow, our vitality drains, and our concentration fractures. Despite this, we keep piling on tasks and obligations, convinced that cramming more activities into our days will bring greater rewards. But is that belief grounded in reality or just a cultural myth?
According to the Deloitte Well-Being at Work Survey, a staggering 43% of professionals report feeling frequently drained, while 42% suffer from high stress levels. Even more concerning, many admit they simply don’t have the bandwidth to prioritize their own wellbeing. This contradiction is at the heart of today’s work culture: we’re so overloaded that we can’t even pause to recharge, yet that's exactly why the way we work demands a reinvention. Doing less isn’t indulgent—it’s a strategic, thoughtful approach to working smarter, not harder.
The traditional narrative pushes us to keep adding: more meetings, more tasks, more yes responses, squeezing every ounce of productivity from the day as if success is a matter of scale. But what if the key to real growth lies in cutting away? What if by identifying and intentionally ditching what’s weighing us down, we open the door to better focus and bigger impact?
This principle is what I call red brick thinking. It’s a concept I developed to encourage individuals and organizations to challenge ingrained habits and clear space for what truly matters. Imagine a crooked LEGO bridge that everyone tries to fix by adding bricks until it collapses under its own weight. Instead, the wiser move is to remove the one red brick destabilizing the entire structure. This metaphor resonates deeply because, in work environments that reward accumulation, the power of subtraction is often overlooked.
Why does this matter so much in the workplace? Because complexity doesn’t explode overnight—it sneaks in quietly and accumulates. We inherit outdated systems, take on unnecessary responsibilities, and keep routines just because "that's how it’s always been done." Over time, these habits form invisible barriers to effectiveness. And here’s a provocative thought: constant hustle isn’t a mark of dedication; it’s an obstacle to progress.
Before we know it, our days are ruled by meetings no one recalls initiating, processes that no longer serve us, and tasks that drain rather than fuel our passion. Usually, no one designs this complexity intentionally; it just piles up like dust unnoticed. These hidden “red bricks” become embedded in our routines, and because they are so familiar, they're easy to ignore.
When we start pulling those bricks away, even if one small piece at a time, the difference is remarkable. We regain lost energy, sharpen our thinking, and create breathing room that allows for deeper focus, smarter decisions, and meaningful outcomes.
Of course, letting go isn’t easy. There’s a silent fear that if we say no to recurring meetings, delay replying to every message, or step back from micromanaging every detail, we’ll appear disengaged or fall behind. Yet, I’d argue the opposite is true. Clinging to every task and obligation waters down our attention and weakens our ability to excel where it truly counts.
Leaders especially must be mindful of the example they set. By consciously choosing where to invest their time and energy, they empower their teams to do the same, cultivating a culture that values focus over frenzy.
Here’s the uplifting part: red brick thinking doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. It’s not about wiping your calendar clean or dismantling your entire workflow. It begins with one simple choice — pinpoint something that no longer adds value to your work, and let it go. That small act often sparks a chain reaction, easing pressure and boosting clarity.
Examples include canceling a meeting that lacks a clear purpose, gracefully stepping away from a committee you feel obligated to attend, or delegating tasks that drain your energy but might energize someone else.
Such strategic moves create the breathing space needed for better ideas, stronger execution, and more satisfying workdays.
Looking ahead, as workplaces demand greater adaptability, clarity, and wellbeing, it’s time to reject the illusion that busyness equals success once and for all. The professionals who will thrive in 2026 and beyond will be those who master the art of focused editing — protecting their capacity by saying no more often and steering their efforts toward what truly matters. Doing less isn’t just a retreat; it’s a bold step toward smarter, more impactful careers — one red brick at a time.
Donna McGeorge is a productivity specialist and author of Red Brick Thinking (Wiley $32.95, available November 10), a fresh call to simplify work by cutting out what no longer adds value. Discover more at www.donnamcgeorge.com.
What do you think? Is doing less really the key to doing better? Or is busyness the inevitable price of success? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
