Stop Overcomplicating Work: Letting Go Boosts Productivity

Have you ever found yourself spending way too much time and energy on something that ultimately didn’t matter? Many of us overcomplicate work by forcing things that don’t need to be hard. I recently had an experience that reminded me of the power of letting go and choosing ease.

On a trip to a humid destination, I faced a familiar challenge: my naturally curly hair. Normally, I might spend time blow-drying and styling it, only to have my efforts undone within minutes by the humidity, wind, and elements. This time, instead of fighting against nature, I chose to embrace it. I let my hair do what it wanted to do. The result? Less stress, less wasted time, and more energy to enjoy what really mattered on that trip.

The same principle applies to productivity. When we force things that don’t yield a strong return on investment, we drain time and energy that could be put toward what truly moves the needle. Whether it’s overcomplicating a project, perfecting something that doesn’t need perfection, or clinging to outdated processes, we often make things harder than they need to be. When we stop overcomplicating work we free up time and mental energy. When we get rid of inefficient processes, we focus on work that delivers real results.

How to Stop Overcomplicating Work, Stop Fighting and Start Flowing

Here are a few ways you can apply this mindset at work:

• Eliminate Unnecessary Steps: Are you following processes that don’t add real value? Streamline where possible. Automate tasks, cut redundancies, and simplify workflows.
• Prioritize What Truly Matters: Not everything requires 100% effort. Focus on high-impact work and let go of the rest. Perfectionism can be the enemy of productivity.
• Leverage Strengths and Resources: Just like I embraced my hair’s natural tendencies, work with, rather than against, your strengths and team resources. Delegate tasks that others can do more efficiently and lean into your own zone of genius.
• Recognize When “Good Enough” Is Good Enough: Sometimes, getting something done at 80% efficiency is better than delaying progress for a 100% ideal outcome that isn’t necessary.

By making things easier, you free up time, mental space, and energy for what truly deserves your attention. Where in your work or life are you making things harder than they need to be? What can you let go of to create more ease and impact? Where can you stop overcomplicating work?

I have clients that tell me they often listed to “Coach Debbie” on their shoulder even when we’re not in a coaching session. One of the questions I have encouraged them to ask when thinking about their goals, projects and tasks, either personally or professionally, especially those on which they find themselves procrastinating, is “how can this be easy?”.

Can I help you explore how increase productivity could be easy, fun and rewarding for you?   Our individual “It’s About Time” productivity coaching sessions help our clients take control over their busy schedules and have more time for things that really matter.  Set up a Discovery Call today to learn more about how Simply Placed can help!