Less Doing, More Being
Redefining what it means to be productive—and making room for creativity and rest.
I’ve been thinking a lot about rest. About taking breaks, making space for play and creativity. In my world, that often means stepping away from my phone, setting working hours for social media, and resisting the urge to be constantly “on.” For others, it might mean a more flexible work schedule, better boundaries with email, or being able to leave the office to run an errand or get out for a midday walk.
The more I get to know myself—through self-help books, therapy, podcasts, and just plain living—I’ve realized how much guilt I carry around the concept of rest. It’s that old-school New England “Protestant work ethic.” (Ugh.) It’s also insecurity, perfectionism, and a deeply ingrained need to be seen as capable, helpful, impressive. It’s that eldest daughter, gold star–chaser energy.
The idea of being called lazy has always felt like a knife to the gut. Aside from being told I’m a fundamentally bad person, there’s probably no insult that would hurt my feelings more. But lately, I’ve been wondering: What if what I once labeled “lazy” is actually kind of . . . smart?
Doing Less, But Better
I had a few moments this week that made this all click into place. Each one whispered the same thing: Set better boundaries. Not so I can get more done, but so I can protect my time and energy and keep my cup full. And the truth is, that’s what actually makes me better at my job.
The first moment came during an AI class I took last week. The instructor pointed out that while, yes, AI can help us work faster, the real opportunity is in how we use the time it frees up. What if we didn’t just cram in more tasks? What if we used that space to go outside, take in beauty, recharge, think?
It was a real shift for me. I’ve always used productivity tools and delegation as a way to do more. But maybe the win isn’t doing more—it’s doing the same, in less time, and having more time to be creative, seek inspiration, or just . . . rest? That’s not laziness. It’s sustainability.
Boundaries ≠ Rudeness
Confession: I think about my sister Becca’s inbox autoresponder more than is probably normal. It says, “Hello! Monday through Wednesday I’m in the studio creating. I’ll return your email at the end of the week unless it is urgent. If this is time-sensitive, please contact my team. My office days are Thursday and Friday from 9am–4pm.”
At first, I was like, Wow, sis. Bold. Now? I feel inspired. I really admire her. She’s built a structure that lets her do the work that lights her up (painting and creative time) three days a week. And I can tell you firsthand: It shows. In her creativity, yes, but also with her parenting. She’s an incredibly present mom. And at work, every collection she designs feels more inspired than the last.
While my job doesn’t allow for that same kind of unplugging (social media waits for no one), I’ve been trying to channel a little more “Becca energy” in my own day-to-day.
For me, the way to carry that sort of energy is to be clear and intentional with work. Asking myself, “How does my body feel when I think about doing this?” Your body will tell you if you should say no! I’ll feel tense, get a headache, feel off. If a project doesn’t pass the gut-check, if it doesn’t feel good, I gently, respectfully say no. There is privilege in that, but there’s also power. And since I'm not just starting out, I feel more confident. I skipped a big sale in July. Yeah, that sale. My revenue took a hit, and that is OK. July is (so far) the only month where my revenue is down vs. last year. But I slept like a baby that night and felt very good about that choice.
Beyond that gut-check, I’ve implemented better boundaries with brand partners (you want a same-day turnaround on a project? No can do, my friend). We (my partnerships director and I) ask for more time to craft a creative concept, more time to shoot. More time = more creativity, more creativity = better work. I cannot create thoughtful brand work if I am rushed.
In the past, I have cancelled dinner plans, torn my house apart, and worked late into the night to make a brand partner happy. I’m not willing to do that anymore, even if it means I lose out on a project. But I’ve realized: There is plenty of work to go around. I’ve been holding to my boundaries and as a result, I am far less anxious and far more present.
Saying No to the Ego
The final aha moment came with a really cool opportunity: I was offered a contributing editor role at a legacy fashion magazine. A younger version of me would’ve sprinted toward it. I always dreamed of working in magazines, and this felt like a shiny, full-circle moment.
But as I learned more, I started to hesitate, especially as we head into the four busiest months of the year. It was a lot of work, for very little pay, and there was no guarantee of exposure or meaningful traffic. I realized I’d only be saying yes for my ego. The title. The Instagram bio + LinkedIn updates. The little voice in my head that still thinks she needs a traditional stamp of approval to be “legit.” I thought about my own platforms, my freedom, my time. And I said no. It felt like growth. Every “yes” costs something.
Redefining Success
That’s what’s been on my mind. I’m starting to think that success (at least in this chapter of life; chapters are always changing!) looks less like status, recognition, or even money (especially if the money messes with my nervous system). It looks like a balanced workday. A social calendar that doesn’t make me want to curl up and die. Time to stay home and read. Space to think. Feeling inspired instead of rushed. Sleeping well at night. Being fully present in my offline life.
To me, that feels like everything. How about you?
My favorite white dresses — a mega staple in my wardrobe!
This fragrance is far and away, the one I get the most compliments on.
What’s on my wish list right now: a bold and bright round-up of pretty things that are in my cart.
Three orange outfit ideas. It’s a tricky one, but a good one. I love wearing this color.
Everything I read in July 2025! My reviews of the eight books I read this month.
I finished Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay over the weekend. This was a like, but not a love. I finished it quickly to know what happened, but only netted out medium. It is Parents Weekend at a small college in Northern California. Five families are set to have dinner together, but the kids don’t show up. What happened!? Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon.com
I finished Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild this week as well. I absolutely loved this one. I don’t want to say too much about it as the plot is a bit unconventional and something very dramatic happens in the first few pages. It’s a love story, there is a gigantic moral dilemma, and you feel uncomfortable for a lot of it. I personally really enjoyed it and would highly recommend! Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon.com
I’m currently reading GWYNETH, the biography by . I am enjoying it. I’m only about 150 pages in, but it’s very well-researched and quite the page-turner! Right now, it is giving all of the nineties nostalgia. She is 21, filing Se7en, dating Brad Pitt.
Your sister’s auto response is goals! That’s amazing.
Couldn’t agree more! Now let’s get corporate America to feel the same….