Wow! It’s December already!
This month is known as Shiwasu in Japanese (師走)—when even monks are said to be running because it’s sooooooo busy!
That makes this the perfect time to reflect on one of my favorite topics—less effort and more impact:
how to maximize our results with the minimum physical, mental, and emotional energy 💕
Recently, thanks to the super astute Brittany Arthur of the Human-Centered AI Leadership Academy, I realized something:
The “Less Effort, More Impact” concept has evolved.
Here’s what I mean…
It Started With Selfcare As A Success Strategy
Bruce Lee said:
“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease.
Hack away at the unessential.”
As a karate practitioner, this resonates deeply in the dojo and in my work!
In early 2022, I started talking on the Sasuga! Podcast about taking care of ourselves and doing less to achieve more while applying this in my own life and helping my clients to do the same…
Most recently, the sensational Samia Jamai interviewed me on the SawaTalks Podcast with the title The Courage to Slow Down: Rethinking Resilience and Redefining Impact.
🎧 If you’re interested, you can listen here.
It Expanded Into Leadership and Presentation Skills
I’ve been coaching business professionals in leadership and presentation skills since my McKinsey days in the mid 2000s.
What I’ve consistently seen is much wasted effort through overthinking, overpreparing, and overcorrecting (aiming for perfect English instead of real communication).
I used to be the same—especially speaking Japanese in professional settings—so I can relate.
It’s amazing how fresh perspectives, strategic practice, and caring feedback from an experienced coach can ease the pressure and deliver so much more impact.
We’re already seeing this in the first cohort of Women’s Presentation Essentials, which I’m thrilled about 🎉
(If you’re interested, I recommend you get on the waitlist for the second cohort starting next year.)
It’s Now Amplified With AI
I started using ChatGPT in 2023, but I didn’t really know what I was doing and I definitely wasn’t being the most efficient 🤣
In October this year, I joined The Human-Centered AI Leadership Academy, which transformed how I see and use AI (ah, the value of learning from experts).
We’ve also recently been implementing new systems, automation, and AI in Team Sasuga! to bring you, our other readers, and clients more value—you guessed it, with less effort!
One thing I’m particularly sensitive about though is making sure that the AI we use is thoughtful and not annoying!
(cue rant)
The other day, I was fuming when I opened the chat on a well-known company’s website. It said there was “1 person in the queue.” I waited and then typed in my question. Several minutes later, a response popped up that there were too many requests and I needed to email instead. I still haven’t received a response to that email… grrr.
(rant over 🤣)
So as Team Sasuga! introduces more human-centered AI, if you notice anything odd or inconvenient, PLEASE do let me know—so that we can fix it asap!
Meanwhile, here are a few small experiments you might enjoy playing with for less effort and more impact:
- When you’re stuck, step away
If you’re struggling with a problem, take a break. Then notice how easily inspiration comes to you - Work with your energy, not against it
Do focused tasks when you’re energized. When you’re depleted, give your brain and body permission to reset or rest—guilt-free - Practice the essential skills
I used to overthink how to start presentations. Now I use a simple 5-part opening framework I’ve practiced so often it takes minutes, not hours - Invite proposals, not problems
If you manage others, ask team members to come with suggested solutions. Less mental load for you—more growth for them - Aim for 70%
One of my coaches used to say, “70% is perfection; 100% is failure.”
Polishing endlessly costs energy—often without adding real impact
Which of these feels like it might create a little more space for you?