The False Promise of Getting Everything Done
We typically think the goal of time management is to ensure we finish all our important work. That’s what systems like Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen and most other productivity systems are all about.
We think that if we manage our time effectively, we’ll finally be able to get our task manager under control and get everything done. Unfortunately, this is a fool’s dream.
You’ll Never Finish It All (and That’s Good News)
Oliver Burkeman emphasized in his book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals that, as finite human beings, we can never get everything done. There’s always too much to do, and this is true of our work and personal lives.
Even if we could do everything in our task managers, more items would appear to take their place. It never ends. Regardless of how great your productivity system is, you can never get to the point where everything is done.
Decide What to Ignore
Since we can’t do everything that needs to be done, the most crucial aspect of time management involves deciding what not to do. As Burkeman says in his book, “The real measure of any time management technique is whether or not it helps you neglect the right things.” Four Thousand Weeks.
To decide what not to do, you have to first define the most critical, essential tasks you do. Then, you must intentionally decide not to do other things or to do them at a minimum level.
Intentional Imperfection in Action
This approach reminds me of Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s concept of “Intentional Imperfection” in her book, Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. You can’t do your best work on everything, so be intentional about what you won’t do your best work on.
The essence of intentional imperfection is accepting your limitations: you cannot expect to simultaneously excel at every target you set for yourself.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Tiny Experiments
Intentional Imperfection means accepting your limitations and deciding where to excel and where to get by. “It’s about striving for sustainable excellence rather than fleeting perfection.” Tiny Experiments.
From a practical standpoint, how do we implement Intentional Imperfection? Anne-Laure Le Cunff answers: “At any given moment, ask yourself: What is most important right now?”
The circumstances often determine what is most important to do at any given time. Usually, my most important task on Monday is editing and formatting a blog post for publication on Tuesday morning.
But if my wife becomes ill Monday morning and needs to be taken to a doctor, then that becomes my most important task. Given these circumstances, taking care of her is my most important task, and everything else is secondary.
Less, But Better
Time management isn’t about squeezing more into every minute; it’s about consciously choosing what to neglect so you can excel where it truly counts. By embracing Intentional Imperfection, you allow yourself to let go of perfection in the less critical areas of your life, creating space for excellence where it matters most.
This week, practice these simple steps to apply Intentional Imperfection in your daily life:
• Define Your Essentials: Identify the tasks that are most important to you.
• Choose Your Imperfections: Intentionally choose the tasks or projects you’ll handle with minimal effort or let go completely.
• Ask the Key Question: Throughout your day, regularly pause and ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I can do right now?”
• Embrace the Freedom: Notice the reduced stress and increased effectiveness as you permit yourself to neglect what doesn’t truly matter.
Remember, productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Embrace intentional neglect, and you’ll discover a more fulfilling, sustainable way to manage your finite time.
AI Note: I wrote this blog post myself, using my own words for the initial draft. I used AI only to suggest headlines, section headings, and improvements to the text.
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