Making Space for Great

A doodle of a person sitting at a desk, repeatedly typing “busy busy busy” while the word “GREAT” floats just out of reach. Quote: “We miss out on the great because we’re busy with the mediocre.” — Derek Sivers. Doodle by Martine Ellis.

Sometimes, we are so focused on "busy work" that we stop noticing what’s possible. Opportunities pass us by.

As Derek Sivers puts it in Hell Yea or No:

"We miss out on the great because we’re busy with the mediocre".

The mediocre isn’t just the daily grind—emails, meetings, admin. It’s work that fills space and drains energy, leaving no room for curiosity or experimentation.

Often, the great only reveals itself when there’s space.

Saying no to the mediocre isn’t easy. But it makes space for the great.

💌 Before you go...

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love my newsletter. Every weekend, I share doodles, short essays on wellbeing and productivity, and inspiring content from others.

No fluff, no overwhelm—just practical, thoughtful content. Subscribe below.

    Unsubscribe any time.

    Previous
    Previous

    Dear Phone, We Need a Break

    Next
    Next

    How to Find Focus Fast