We’ve all been conditioned to believe that busy equals productive—that if we’re not constantly juggling tasks, we’re somehow falling behind.

But let’s take a step back. Think about a freeway, It’s designed to keep cars moving, to get you from one place to another. But when too many cars flood the lanes, everything slows down. Progress grinds to a halt.

The same thing happens in our work lives. We pile on tasks, meetings, and projects, thinking that more means better. But all we’re doing is creating a traffic jam of our own making. Instead of making progress, we’re just inching along, stuck in the congestion of too much.

Optimizing the flow of work isn’t about doing more.

It’s about making space for what really matters. It’s about understanding that sometimes, doing less—and doing it with intention—leads to better outcomes.

 What are we optimizing for?

Are we just trying to get through the day faster, to check off more boxes?

Or are we optimizing for value?

And if we’re optimizing for value, what does that mean?

Who’s it for?

How do we know it’s valuable?

These are the questions worth asking. Because if we’re not clear on what value is, if we don’t know who it’s for or why it matters, then we’re just adding more cars to the freeway, hoping that speed will somehow lead to success.

So next time you’re tempted to add one more thing to your plate, pause. Ask yourself: What’s the value here? And is this the best way to create it? Because real productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.