How to Achieve More by Doing Less

In today’s fast-paced world, busyness has become a status symbol. But does being busy actually lead to success? Or are we stuck in a cycle of time poverty that leaves us exhausted and unfulfilled? In this episode of The Leadership Habit podcast, host Jenn DeWall sits down with corporate performance expert, author, and keynote speaker Peggy Sullivan to discuss how we can reclaim our time and achieve more by doing less.

Meet Peggy Sullivan, Performance Optimization Management Expert

Peggy Sullivan is an accomplished entrepreneur, corporate leader, and award-winning speaker. With a background in corporate America, including leadership roles at companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, she has experienced firsthand the challenges of managing an overwhelming workload. Peggy is also the author of Happiness is Your Responsibility: An Actionable Toolkit for Reclaiming Your Inner Joy and Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less. She has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Time, Bloomberg, and Entrepreneur for her insights on personal empowerment and organizational transformation.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The Illusion of Busyness

Many people wear busyness as a badge of honor, equating a packed schedule with productivity and importance. However, Peggy argues that being busy does not necessarily mean being effective. She explains that constantly rushing from one task to another without intentionality leads to stress, poor decision-making, and decreased well-being.

Understanding Time Poverty

Peggy introduces the concept of “time poverty,” a state in which people feel they never have enough time to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s spending time with family, prioritizing personal health, or engaging in meaningful work, time poverty keeps individuals stuck in a cycle of constant motion without progress.

The Addiction to Busyness

Busyness can become addictive, as crossing tasks off a to-do list releases dopamine, creating a temporary sense of accomplishment. However, Peggy warns that this cycle leads to burnout, as individuals prioritize low-value tasks over strategic, high-impact activities.

Moving Beyond Busyness

To reclaim control over time and energy, Peggy shares a three-step framework:

1. Eliminate Low-Value Activities – Identify and remove tasks that do not contribute to meaningful goals. This includes unnecessary meetings, distractions, and habitual but unproductive behaviors.
2. Ignite Your Happiness Superpower – Incorporate small, intentional actions that boost happiness and energy, such as listening to music, engaging in physical movement, or taking mindful breaks.
3. Align Time with Core Values – Instead of focusing solely on time management, Peggy recommends “values management.” She outlines four key values—human connection, growth, authenticity, and energy management—that contribute to a fulfilling and productive life.

By following these steps, individuals and leaders can break free from the cycle of busyness and create a meaningful and sustainable life.

Where to Find More from Peggy Sullivan

If you’re ready to break free from busyness and reclaim your time, you can find Peggy’s book, Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less, on Amazon. To learn more about her work, visit her website at PeggySullivanSpeaker.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Take the Next Step with Crestcom

At Crestcom, we help leaders develop the skills to work smarter, not harder. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership effectiveness, request a complimentary Leadership Skills Workshop. In just two hours, you’ll gain actionable strategies to improve decision-making, build trust, and boost team performance. 

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