“Clearing the decks” is a productivity fairy tale.
You clear the decks, and guess what?
More stuff shows up.
The moment you wipe the slate clean, life hands you another to-do list or project, and don’t get me started on email.
This about this instead:
The decks aren’t meant to be empty.
They’re meant to handle the chaos.
The problem isn’t the tasks.
It’s the fantasy of zero.
Zero clutter, zero emails, zero interruptions.
Chasing zero burns your time, your energy, and your focus.
Instead, redefine success.
Success isn’t about an empty plate; it’s about choosing the right plate.
Not every task deserves your attention.
Not every project needs your energy.
Prioritize what matters and let the rest sit on the edges.
Stop tidying your life into oblivion.
You can build a system that handles the clutter without needing perfection.
You’ll never set sail if you’re waiting for the decks to clear.
Progress happens when you learn to navigate the mess, not eliminate it.