Doing more isn’t always better. Discover why stepping back, unplugging, and doing less may be the key to clarity, peace, and authentic growth.
The Starting Line
I’ll be honest.
I used to buy into the “do more” gospel.
Wake up earlier.
Stack habits.
Push harder.
Optimize every second like a machine.
But here’s what they don’t tell you:
Machines don’t grow.
Humans do.
And growth?
Real, meaningful growth… often comes when you step back.
The Path
Some have a massive platform. Viral success.
And yet? Public burnout.
They hit the wall so many of us quietly brush against daily.
But instead of doubling down on more hustle and more content…
Some do what most people are too afraid to do:
They stop.
They unplug.
Set boundaries.
Said no.
Chose joy over algorithms.
And in that uncomfortable pause, they find something rare in today’s world:
Themselves.
The Myth of More
We live in a time where silence feels dangerous.
Where stepping back feels like falling behind.
But ask yourself:
Is scrolling endlessly really moving you forward?
Is answering every DM at midnight really building legacy?
Is chasing viral moments making you more fulfilled?
Or… is it draining you quietly while whispering that you’re “doing great”?
More isn’t always better.
Sometimes it’s just more noise.
The Power of Less
Doing less is a skill.
A muscle.
And it takes courage to use it.
Saying no creates space.
Unfollowing creates clarity.
Logging off invites presence.
When you remove the unnecessary,
you give the meaningful room to breathe.
Not when I worked harder.
But when I had the guts to pull back.
The Finish Line
Here’s the hard truth:
No one is going to hand you peace.
No one is going to gift you clarity.
You have to take it.
Step away.
Be unreachable for a bit.
Feel uncomfortable in the quiet.
Then, and only then, will you hear what your heart’s been trying to say:
“You don’t need to do more.
You need to do what matters.”
Peace be the journey,
— Ace
One Way Grit 