"أنا شخص أفضل عندما يكون لدي أعباء أقل"

When we say we're better people with less on our plate, it's all about balance and focus. Think about a time when you were overwhelmed—too much work, social commitments, maybe even personal projects. You probably felt stressed, scattered, and maybe even a bit irritable. That’s the core idea here. When we spread ourselves too thin, we can't give our best to any one thing. But if we limit our commitments, we can pour our energy into what really matters, making us more effective and pleasant to be around.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Ancient philosophers like Seneca and modern minimalists all preach the benefits of doing less to achieve more. They figured out that when you’re not juggling a thousand tasks, you can be more present, more thoughtful, and ultimately, more fulfilled. Imagine a painter with only one canvas—each stroke is more deliberate, the artwork more refined. Now, imagine that painter trying to paint ten canvases at once. It’s chaos. The beauty gets lost.

Let's look at a real-life example. Imagine you're an entrepreneur starting your own business. Initially, you might think it's smart to handle everything yourself—marketing, product development, customer service. But soon, you’re working 16-hour days and feeling burned out. One day, you decide to hire a marketing expert and a customer service rep. Suddenly, you’re free to focus on what you do best: developing an amazing product. The business starts to thrive, and you’re not just a better entrepreneur, but you’re happier and more relaxed. Your relationships improve, and you find joy in your work again.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Start by assessing what’s currently on your plate. Make a list. Then, prioritize. What are the absolute essentials? What can be delegated or postponed? Be ruthless. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. You could even try a weekly review—look at your commitments and see what’s adding value and what’s draining you. And don’t be afraid to say no. It’s empowering and sets boundaries, making the things you say “yes” to even more meaningful.

Here’s a relatable story to bring it home. Imagine Sarah, a devoted mom trying to juggle her kids' activities, her job, and her own hobbies. Every day is a marathon. One night, after missing her daughter’s soccer game because she was stuck at work, Sarah breaks down. She realizes she’s not giving her best to anyone, including herself. Inspired by the idea of doing less to be more, she makes some changes. She asks her husband to take over some of the kids' activities, talks to her boss about adjusting her workload, and even decides to drop one of her personal projects. The result? Sarah is more present with her kids, her work performance improves, and she even finds time to enjoy her hobbies again. She's happier and more fulfilled. By taking stuff off her plate, she became a better mom, wife, and professional.

So, next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that sometimes less is more. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things well. Simplify your life, delegate when you can, and focus on what truly matters. You’ll find you’re not just more productive, but a better version of yourself.