There’s a special kind of magic in making things look effortless while still securing all the wins. I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to get the most out of my time, energy, and resources without running myself into the ground. The secret? Working smarter, not harder.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that success only comes from grinding 24/7, sacrificing sleep, and pouring every ounce of ourselves into our work. But let me ask you this: Is the goal to be exhausted or to be effective? Exactly.

So, let’s talk about the keys to giving minimal effort while still producing maximum results.

1. Prioritize Like a CEO, Not an Employee

One thing about high-level execs? They aren’t wasting their time on tasks that don’t really move the needle. They delegate, automate, and focus on what truly matters. The key here is understanding that not everything is urgent, and not everything deserves your attention. There’s a blog I published January 17th, 2016 It’s Not About Making It, It’s About Maintaining It… it all tie’s in if you’ve BEEN picking up what I’ve been putting down.

• Ask yourself: What’s the one thing I can do that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?

• Cut out busywork. If it doesn’t contribute to your actual goal, let it go.

• Automate and outsource. Whether it’s meal delivery, auto-bill pay, or using your AI bestie for repetitive tasks, take things off your plate where you can.

2. Master the 80/20 Rule (aka Work Less, Win More)

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Meaning? If you focus on the right things, you can get insane results without doing the most.

• Instead of posting on every social media platform, focus on the one that brings the most engagement.

• If you’re in business, identify your most profitable offer and double down on that.

• In everyday life, think about the small habits that give you the biggest payoff, like meal prepping once instead of cooking daily or creating a go-to wardrobe with basics and statement pieces so you don’t waste time figuring out what to wear in the mornings.

3. The “Good Enough” Mindset (Perfectionism is a Scam)

Listen, perfection is an illusion and, honestly, a trap that keeps you stuck. The goal isn’t to do everything flawlessly friend, it’s to get things done well enough to move forward.

• Done is better than perfect. A solid 80% effort that actually gets completed is more valuable than a 100% effort that never sees the light of day.

• Set realistic standards. Would you rather get one perfect project done in a month or five really good ones? Exactlyyyyy.

• Give yourself permission to stop tweaking and crashing out. At some point, you have to publish the post, launch the business, send the email, return the call, or say yes to the date. Commit.

4. Leverage the Power of Systems

The real hack to making minimal effort look like maximum productivity? Having systems in place that do the heavy lifting for you.

• Templates are your best friend—emails, captions, proposals—whatever you send often, save a template. I love Canva Templates.

• Batch your work. Finishing all of your errands on one day or meal-prepping for the week will save you so much time.

• Set boundaries. If people are constantly pulling at your energy, establish office hours, turn on ‘Do Not Disturb,’ and protect your peace friend.

5. Energy Management > Time Management

You don’t have a productivity problem… you have an energy problem. The goal isn’t to squeeze more tasks into your day; it’s to protect your best energy for what actually matters.

• Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule your most important work during that time. Mine are early AM hours before the sun rises.

• Take intentional breaks. A 20-minute nap or walk can do more for your focus than forcing yourself to push through fatigue.

• Start being more intentional by taking 10 deep breaths a day.

• Say no more often. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. Period.

6. Let Technology Do the Work for You

We live in a time where you can automate damn near everything! Why not take advantage?

• AI tools can write emails, summarize meetings, create calendars, and handle basic admin tasks.

• Auto-schedulers can post content for you while you sleep.

• If you have the budget, invest in Wash & Fold services. Game Changer.

• Smart home devices can remind you of tasks, reorder household essentials, and even turn your lights off at night.

7. Know When to Rest (Because Burnout Ain’t Cute)

At the end of the day, the real flex is being able to do what you love without burning out. If you’re constantly drained, that’s a sign you’re doing too much.

• Give yourself permission to not be productive 24/7.

• Take days off and actually unplug without guilt, no checking emails “real quick.”

• Remember: You’re not lazy for choosing rest. You’re strategic.

Again, The Bottom Line? Be Intentional.

Giving minimal effort doesn’t mean being lazy friend, it means being smart, intentional, and strategic about how you spend your time and energy. It’s about focusing on what really moves the needle and cutting out the rest.

So, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this is your sign to simplify, automate, and prioritize what truly matters. Work smarter, rest harder, and watch how the results start stacking up effortlessly.

Xoxo, Drea