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The Power of Doing Less: How to Achieve More Through Strategic Rest

In my recent interview with Kate Northrup, we explored the profound impact of aligning our energy with our natural cycles. One standout topic was the concept of “doing less” and how it can lead to greater success and well-being. Kate’s philosophy, outlined in her book *Do Less*, challenges the traditional hustle mindset. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into how doing less can unlock productivity, mental clarity, and balance.

What Does “Doing Less” Really Mean?

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that working harder and longer is the key to success. However, Kate Northrup emphasizes that doing less isn’t about being lazy; it’s about being strategic with our time and energy. This approach encourages us to focus on the essential tasks that align with our goals and let go of the unnecessary. By doing so, we create space for creativity, rest, and growth.

How Cyclical Living Aligns with Doing Less

In our conversation, Kate discussed the importance of aligning life with natural cycles, whether it’s our menstrual cycle or the phases of the moon. For example, she shared that during the follicular phase of her menstrual cycle, she experiences heightened energy and uses that time to initiate new projects. This intentional scheduling allows her to work in harmony with her body, ultimately reducing burnout.

Kate explained that if we constantly push ourselves without considering these cycles, we fight against our natural rhythm. This resistance drains our energy and often leads to burnout. Instead, cyclical living offers a sustainable path where productivity flows with ease.

Why Rest is Essential for True Productivity

One of the key takeaways from our interview is the need to redefine success. Kate pointed out that success isn’t just about financial gains or career milestones. For her, true success includes moments of joy, connection, and well-being—like laughing with her kids or sitting in the sunshine.

Rest plays a crucial role in this equation. Kate teaches that if we don’t fill ourselves up along the way, we’ll find that achieving external success won’t bring the fulfillment we desire. This concept echoes the growing body of research showing that strategic rest improves cognitive function, creativity, and resilience.

Breaking Free from the Hustle Mentality

The hustle culture pressures us to always do more, but Kate argues that this mindset is counterproductive. Instead of grinding ourselves down, we should be asking: What can I remove from my to-do list? In *Do Less*, she encourages readers to identify the tasks that offer the greatest return on investment for their energy and focus only on those.

This approach isn’t just about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about intentionally making space for the things that matter most, like connecting with loved ones, pursuing creative passions, or simply resting. As Kate shared during our conversation, “Wealth is about having the freedom to do what matters most with our time.”

How to Start Doing Less Today

Inspired by Kate’s insights, here are a few practical steps you can take to implement the “do less” philosophy:

  • Track your cycles: Whether it’s your menstrual cycle or the moon phases, tracking these rhythms helps you align your energy with the right activities.
  • Set boundaries: Say no to tasks or commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
  • Schedule rest: Plan downtime into your calendar just as you would important meetings or deadlines.
  • Reassess your goals: Focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment, not just external achievements.

Following Kate’s example, even small changes—like planning creative work during the full moon or taking breaks during the luteal phase—can make a big difference. You can follow Kate’s personal journey and insights on Instagram @katenorthrup and check out @inacoveney on Instagram for more inspiration.

The Key Takeaway: Your Body is Your Power

As Kate said during our interview, “Your body matters. It’s your greatest access point to your power.” The message here is clear: We need to honor our bodies and listen to their signals. By doing so, we access a deeper well of energy and wisdom that allows us to thrive.

If you’re ready to make a shift, start by incorporating these practices into your daily routine. Download Kate Northrup’s book *Do Less* for more insights on how to live in alignment with your natural rhythms and reclaim your time.

Let’s stop equating success with overwork and start embracing the power of strategic rest. When we do less, we create the space to do what matters most—and that is the true essence of wealth and well-being.