Is this necessary?
Lighten your load and make room for what truly matters.
Your calendar is packed. Messages and pings never end, and you’re chasing many things. Another task lands on your plate. Before you take it on, stop and ask:
🤔 Is this necessary?
Constant tasks and decisions drain you. Attention drifts. Procrastination creeps in, progress slows, and energy fades. Stress builds, frustration grows. Even small choices feel heavy. That’s when this question becomes a lifeline in your everyday life. It forces you to pause and cut the nonessential.
Think of filling your time like packing a backpack: only put in what you really need or enjoy.
Use these three simple steps before taking something on, whether someone asked you or it’s something you want to do. Of course, some things just have to be done, like filing your taxes or taking out the trash.
👉 Start by clarifying why you want to do it. Ask yourself what you hope to get from it, like enjoyment, learning, rest, or even to avoid something. Be curious and honest about what drives you. Are you going to that party because you actually want to be there, or just because you feel you should? Are you binge-watching that show because you enjoy it, or because you’re avoiding something?
👉 Once you know why you want to do it, check whether it actually serves your needs, values, or goals. Will it help you build the life you want or bring you satisfaction? If it doesn’t, skip it, as it takes time away from what matters. If it does, ask whether you could do something even more worthwhile instead. If so, do that. For example, you might skip scrolling social media for an hour and spend that time calling a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
👉 Finally, set clear boundaries around the activity. Decide how much time, energy, or attention you’re willing to spend. For example, you could commit to just an hour at the party, or watch one episode of a show instead of three. Giving yourself limits protects your priorities.
This sequence stops autopilot and replaces it with simple judgment. Apply it to everything before you do it. You’ll quickly see what truly deserves your attention and what you can confidently skip. Each “no” adds up: clearer focus, steadier energy, and fewer things that leave you feeling overloaded.
Start now: Put what truly belongs in your backpack, and let the rest go.
Further reflection
Try these questions:
👉 Is this meaningful to me?
👉 What happens if I don’t do this?
👉 Does this add energy or drain it?
👉 Am I doing this out of choice or out of pressure?
👉 Is this the best use of my time right now?
👉 What else could I be doing with this time?
👉 Does this support the life I want to build?
