If you’ve been following me over the last several months, you’ve likely heard me recite a mantra I’m aspiring to in my life:

“Less hustle, more flow.”

It’s catchy. But it’s also catalytic.

I first heard a variation of it during a virtual coffee chat with Tanya Chernova, an inspirational keynote speaker. She said it in passing, but the phrase stuck with me – and it’s since become more than just an encouraging mantra.

I’ve been asking myself, “How do we actually live and work with less hustle, more flow?” In other words, what must be true for this to become a lifestyle, not just a phrase? Today’s post explores that question and offers what I consider the six foundational components of a life lived in flow.

More Than a Mantra: What It Means to Flow

First, let’s clarify what this isn’t.

It’s not about choosing the easy way. It’s not about doing less, either. It’s about optimizing the flow of energy, creativity, and intentionality so that we can do more of what truly matters – but only from a healthy state of being.

Hustling has its season. I’m not suggesting we eliminate it. But using hustle as our default gear leads to burnout. We need to understand it as a tool, not a lifestyle.

A River Knows Where It’s Going

Picture a wide river flowing through a lush forest. It nourishes everything in its path, flowing steadily toward the ocean.

Sometimes, rocks create turbulence. Sometimes, a dam blocks its way. But still, the river finds a route. It adapts. And it continues.

We humans are like that river. We’re naturally wired to move toward purpose. But often, the obstacles in our path aren’t just external – they’re also internal. Our thoughts, habits, and environments can disrupt the flow. Recognizing this is the first step.

So how do we clear the channel?

Here are the six components I’ve found essential to living with less hustle and more flow:

1. Systematize to Save Your Energy

Whether you’re a freelancer, founder, or creative, embracing systems and automation is vital. Think of it as reducing decision fatigue – like Steve Jobs wearing the same outfit daily to conserve mental energy.

It’s not about rigidity. It’s about freedom.

My tech stack helps automate routine tasks and support deep work. I do a weekly review, use digital tools for task capture, and rely on AI (including ChatGPT) to accelerate my creative process. For this post, I simply dropped in a title and a few ideas. ChatGPT gave me prompts and an outline, helping me bypass the blinking cursor and get straight to the flow of writing.

A Note for the Pen-and-Paper Folks

I know many people love paper to-do lists. But if you’re overwhelmed, it’s worth asking: is that method serving you? The world of technology has evolved quickly, touching every aspect of our lives, and resisting its pull on us only becomes another obstacle. Digital tools can become powerful allies when used with intention.

2. Delegate Like You’re Worth It

Delegation is one of the most overlooked forms of self-care.

When you continually choose low-level tasks over high-impact work, you’re not just wasting time – you’re teaching your mind that busyness is safer than creativity. It feels good to check something off the list, but when that becomes your default, you crowd out the space needed for your most meaningful contributions.

Over time, this creates a cycle that limits innovation and drains your energy. Delegation flips that script.

By handing off the work that doesn’t need your genius, you protect your creative flow – and show yourself that your time and talents are worth preserving.

3. Regulate to Reconnect

A frazzled nervous system can’t flow.

The modern world is taxing. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and physical symptoms often stem from stress – and they disrupt our ability to focus and create. But we’re not powerless. We can learn to regulate.

For me, qigong and daily journaling are my anchors. Weekly, I add in breathwork, meditation, or gardening. These practices aren’t indulgences. They signal to my psyche that I’m safe – which invites creativity back into the room.

4. Know Your North Star

Without a clear purpose, our energy scatters.

After selling my business, I’ve been exploring my own “why” all over again. Journaling has helped me return to the questions that clarify what I’m here for – and how I want to serve.

When we know our deeper purpose, we can say “no, not right now” with confidence. We can direct our attention with care. And we can move in alignment.

5. Focus Is Your Superpower

Time management is useful. But attention management? That’s where the real magic happens.

Our world is full of distractions. Notifications. Pings. Vibration nudges. Multitasking feels productive – but it’s often the enemy of flow.

Here’s what helps:

• Meditation (here’s why to aim for 12 minutes) to train your focus
• Turning off notifications
• Time blocking your most valuable work

If your workplace has an “always-on” culture, this may feel radical. But consider: Would you reschedule a team meeting just to check email? Probably not. Treat your deep work the same way.

6. Get 1% Closer Every Day

Finally, flow doesn’t mean balance in every moment. It means honoring your rhythm. Working and resting in cycles.

When things feel off, ask:

What can I do to feel just 1% more at ease right now?

It might be moving your body. Taking a breath. Changing your environment. These tiny shifts matter. Over time, they change everything.

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If this resonates, my weekly newsletter offers reflections like this – plus a free Notion Mindful Rhythms journal and tracker to help you build structure around your own flow. Join the newsletter and get the tracker ➝