In our quest for growth and achievement, we often find ourselves taking on more responsibilities and commitments than we can effectively handle. This tendency, while stemming from positive intentions, can paradoxically lead to diminished results and increased stress. Let me share a personal experience that illustrates this phenomenon.
As the Jewish year was drawing to a close, I felt a strong urge to end it on a high note. This led me to enroll in a smicha (rabbinical ordination) program - something I had aspired to do. However, as the new year began and daily routines resumed, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed by several responsibilities.
This situation perfectly exemplifies what I call the "defense mechanism of overcommitment." We sometimes pile on additional tasks—even meaningful ones—as a way of avoiding or distracting ourselves from our core priorities. This behavior reminds me of the famous Processionary Caterpillar experiment by French entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre. He arranged caterpillars head-to-tail in a circle around a flower pot's rim to see how long it would take them to break formation and find food. The caterpillars simply continued marching in their circle for a week until they died of exhaustion and starvation. Like these caterpillars, we can mistake mere activity for genuine progress.
The Clarity of Less
Despite having just a few main priorities, I noticed that this new course, though intellectually and spiritually stimulating, was creating unnecessary stress. The program demanded significant time and attention to be learned properly - resources that needed to be allocated to more important priorities.
After careful consideration, I made the decision to defer the program to the following year. This choice, though initially challenging, proved to be liberating. It allowed me to focus my energy on fewer objectives with greater intensity and, importantly, greater enjoyment.
Key Takeaways
Sometimes, less truly is more - fewer commitments can lead to better results
Good opportunities can still be counterproductive if the timing isn't right
Quality of focus matters more than quantity of activities
Recognizing when we're "biting more than we can chew" is crucial for maintaining effectiveness
This experience reinforced an important lesson: the path to achievement isn't always about adding more; sometimes it's about strategic subtraction. By carefully choosing what not to do, we create space for excellence in what matters most.
What's most important in your life now? How can you improve your focus with and actions towards these priorities?
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