Time to Clear the Clutter and Claim Your Energy
I swear, the black flies up here know exactly when to show up… spring hits, and bam—first bite of the season. Even with anti-itch cream, it’s still nagging me while I write this. (You know that kind of itch—the one that shows up just enough to distract you but not enough to justify a dramatic scratch session.)
It got me thinking… how many little things are biting at you right now?
Not just in your personal life—but in your leadership, your workflow, your daily rhythm?
The Invisible Drain of Tolerations
Years ago, I heard Scott Blanchard and Madeleine Homan talk about a concept that stopped me in my tracks: Tolerations.
These are the small (and not-so-small) things we allow, avoid, or endure that suck our energy and chip away at our focus. They’re the leadership equivalent of buzzing mosquitoes—mildly annoying alone, exhausting when they swarm.
Take 3 minutes and brain-dump a list of everything that’s bugging you. I mean everything:
- That teammate you keep meaning to coach but haven’t
- That CRM report you avoid running because it’s always missing key data
- That calendar notification that pops up daily—and you still haven’t fixed it
Big or small, silly or serious. Don’t judge. Just write.
…Done? Welcome back.
Step 1: Find the Mental Mosquitos You Can Swat Now
Look at your list. Which ones already feel lighter just because you wrote them down?
If you’re smirking and shaking your head at yourself, go ahead and cross that sucker off. (Yep, it’s really that simple sometimes.)
Step 2: Identify the Energy Vampires
Now, highlight the ones that make you cringe—the heavy hitters. The ones you avoid like a swarm at dusk.
These will take time, planning, or a mindset shift. Put them on their own “strategic toleration” list. You don’t need to tackle them today, but we’re not pretending they don’t exist.
Step 3: Clear the Low-Effort Clutter
What’s left?
- Conversations you’ve been avoiding (but will probably take 15 minutes max)
- Tasks you’ve built up in your head (but could actually knock out in under an hour)
This week, make it your mission to take out the “quick bugs.”
You might be shocked at how much brainpower and focus come rushing back once you do.
Leadership Layer: This Isn’t Just Personal
You’re the barometer for your inside sales team. If you’re letting little distractions build up—chances are, your team is too.
Clearing your tolerations isn’t just self-care—it’s leadership hygiene.
You don’t have to overhaul your life or team in one fell swoop.
Start with what’s itching the most.
Now, I’m going to go tackle my own tolerations,
Lynn
PS: If you’re ready to tackle the deeper leadership tolerations—the ones that come with the job and the title—maybe it’s time to join a board of advisors who get it.
That’s exactly what the Mastery Exchange for Inside Sales Leaders is here for. No fluff. Just progress. Click reply and we’ll talk!