Doing Anything vs Doing Everything

Table of Contents

• The Allure of Doing Everything
• Doing Anything vs. Doing Everything
• Why Doing Less is More
• How to Shift from Doing Everything to Doing Anything
• Conclusion
• FAQs
• Related Blogs

Have you ever felt like you had to do it all? It’s a common sentiment among entrepreneurs and startup founders, especially when embarking on a new venture. The initial thrill of starting something from scratch often comes with the belief that you should—and can—do everything yourself. But what happens when you try to do it all? Let's explore this intriguing comparison of "Doing Anything" versus "Doing Everything," and discover why focusing your efforts may be the smarter path.

The Allure of Doing Everything

When you launch your first project or startup, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement. You're motivated, eager, and perhaps even feel invincible. This mindset often leads to what I call "Playing Startup," a term coined by Shaan Puri. It's when you find yourself engaging in a frenzy of activities—talking to lawyers, setting up business entities, drafting shareholder agreements, setting up accounting software, securing AWS credits—and that's just the start. It feels like every task is crucial to your startup's success.

The problem with doing everything is that it often results in a lack of focus. You may be juggling roles in bookkeeping, accounting, contract law, software development, and more, all without truly knowing what you're doing. It's a seductive trap, feeding your ego with the illusion of productivity. However, this scattershot approach can lead to inefficiency and burnout.

Doing Anything vs. Doing Everything

“Doing Anything” means being ready to take on various tasks as they come up, without sticking to a specific role. It shows you're willing to help out wherever you're needed, even if you can't do everything at once. On the other hand, "Doing Everything" means attempting to manage every detail of your startup. This can cause burnout, unfocused efforts, and mediocre results.

In today's world, education is more accessible and affordable than ever. You can theoretically learn to do anything. But here's the catch—you can't do everything. Just as a computer's RAM has limits, so does the human brain. Pushing yourself too hard just leads to burnout, and getting distracted by shiny new things can make it even worse. You might find yourself hopping from one tool or platform to another, believing that doing everything will guarantee success. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case.

Why Doing Less is More

Rather than trying to do everything, think about concentrating on what really counts. Prioritizing tasks and handing off some responsibilities can make all the difference. Here's why doing less might actually lead to bigger results:

• Boosted Focus: By zeroing in on key tasks, you can channel your energy and resources where they matter most.
• Higher Quality: When you focus on fewer things, you can do a better job rather than spreading yourself too thin and getting average results.
• Resource Efficiency: By identifying what's truly important, you can use your resources smartly, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
• Avoiding Burnout: Keeping your workload manageable helps you avoid burnout, keeping you motivated and engaged over time.

How to Shift from Doing Everything to Doing Anything

• Find Your Main Focus: Figure out which tasks and goals are crucial for your startup’s success. Concentrate on those and put less important tasks on hold or pass them on to others.
• Set Limits: Decide what you can realistically achieve each day or week. Stick to these limits to keep a good work-life balance.
• Delegate Tasks: Use your team’s strengths by handing off tasks. Trust them to get things done and free up your time for more impactful work.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t get sidetracked by every new tool or platform. Make sure new opportunities fit your goals before chasing them.
• Reassess Often: Regularly check your priorities to make sure they match your changing goals. Be ready to change direction and adapt if necessary.

Conclusion

The tension between doing anything and doing everything is a challenge faced by many entrepreneurs. While the temptation to take on every task is strong, understanding your limitations and focusing on key priorities can lead to better results. By shifting from a mentality of doing everything to doing 'anything strategically', you'll not only protect your mental well-being but also increase the likelihood of success.

Remember, it's not about how much you do—it's about doing the right things with intention and purpose.

I think this YouTube video with Mr. Bean really gets the point across, where he tries to do everything, only leading to a crash:

FAQs

Why is doing everything a problem for entrepreneurs?

Trying to do everything leads to burnout and mediocrity because it spreads resources and efforts too thin, resulting in inefficient and lower-quality outcomes.

How can I prioritize my tasks more effectively?

Identify the core activities that are most critical to your startup's success. Focus on these priorities while delegating or deferring less essential tasks.

What is shiny object syndrome, and how can I avoid it?

Shiny object syndrome is the tendency to pursue new tools or ideas that divert attention from established goals. Avoid it by evaluating new opportunities against your objectives and staying committed to your priorities.

Related Blogs

• Playing Startup and Mistakes to Avoid: Learn common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face in the early stages of their startup journeys and how to overcome them.
• The Dopamine Treadmill: Discover how chasing likes and shares on social media can hold you back, and find out how to build lasting motivation.