SUMMARY POINTS
The urgent emails are coming in from all sides. There’s another fire you’ve gotta put out. Most of your day is booked with stupid meetings that don’t require your direct input. And, as usual, your asshole boss is giving you a hard time for no good reason.
It’s like this every damn week. You’re pushed to your limits and even beyond sometimes. Not only is it negatively impacting your health but it’s also having ripple effects on your personal life outside of work.
You’re at a point now where you’re starting to realize that no matter how much extra effort you put in, things really won’t meaningfully change for the better. You’re that small cog in a giant corporate machine.
It’s at this moment that you find yourself thinking, “Why do I even give a shit about this?”
Then, the devil on your shoulder magically appears at the opportune moment and backs up that thought, “Yeah, stop putting up with all this bullshit.”
Right afterward, the angel shows up and chimes in, “You’re a superstar and this will be great for your career.”
Here's the reality, friend - you most probably don't have to give a shit as much as you think. And you shouldn't. Learning what to care about and what to let go of isn't just a crucial skill. It's the secret to winning at this whole "life" thing.
It’s like this every damn week. You’re pushed to your limits and even beyond sometimes. Not only is it negatively impacting your health but it’s also having ripple effects on your personal life outside of work.
You’re at a point now where you’re starting to realize that no matter how much extra effort you put in, things really won’t meaningfully change for the better. You’re that small cog in a giant corporate machine.
It’s at this moment that you find yourself thinking, “Why do I even give a shit about this?”
Then, the devil on your shoulder magically appears at the opportune moment and backs up that thought, “Yeah, stop putting up with all this bullshit.”
Right afterward, the angel shows up and chimes in, “You’re a superstar and this will be great for your career.”
Here's the reality, friend - you most probably don't have to give a shit as much as you think. And you shouldn't. Learning what to care about and what to let go of isn't just a crucial skill. It's the secret to winning at this whole "life" thing.
Understanding The Power Of Letting Go
We’ve been conditioned to care about everything. Social media feeds demand likes, the office demands overtime, and even hobbies have become side hustles. But if you’re trying to give your all to everything, you’re running on empty.
When you stop giving a shit about things that don’t matter, you free up bandwidth to focus on the shit that does. That’s the real magic of letting go. It’s not about apathy. It’s about clarity and priority.
This is where the 80/20 rule applies for caring.
Here’s the thing: 80% of your stress comes from top 20% of of the bullshit. It’s that one toxic backstabber, that clueless executive who always wants "just one more revision," or that self-imposed need to reply to emails at 10 PM. Identifying these energy suckers is step one in taking back your peace of mind and sanity.
It’s like arguing with trolls on the internet instead of just living your life. Pointless, right? Your energy is a limited resource. Spend it wisely.
When you stop giving a shit about things that don’t matter, you free up bandwidth to focus on the shit that does. That’s the real magic of letting go. It’s not about apathy. It’s about clarity and priority.
This is where the 80/20 rule applies for caring.
Here’s the thing: 80% of your stress comes from top 20% of of the bullshit. It’s that one toxic backstabber, that clueless executive who always wants "just one more revision," or that self-imposed need to reply to emails at 10 PM. Identifying these energy suckers is step one in taking back your peace of mind and sanity.
It’s like arguing with trolls on the internet instead of just living your life. Pointless, right? Your energy is a limited resource. Spend it wisely.
Practical Strategies For Prioritizing Your Cares
You can’t turn off the caring switch overnight, especially if you’re known as “the person who always gets shit done.” But with intentional action, you can shift your mindset. Here’s how to start.
1. The "Hell Yes" or "No" Test
If an opportunity, commitment, request or task isn’t something you’re directly responsible for, genuinely excited about or doesn’t align with your goals, give it a big, fat “no.”
If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s a no. Simple as that.
Example:
Helping your BFF move into her dream apartment? Hell yes.
Attending another soul-sucking useless meeting that could have been done via email? Fuck no.
2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
It’s okay to say no. Seriously. Your worth isn’t tied to how many requests you fulfill or how “busy” you seem. You gotta set solid boundaries at work and you must communicate these limits and stick to them.
Boundary Tip: “I don’t check emails after 6 PM” is not rude. It’s revolutionary. You’re welcome.
3. Auditing Every "Care" You Have
Write down all the things you’re currently “giving a shit” about. Then, ask yourself these questions for each item:
Does this align with my long-term goals?
Does it bring me joy, growth, or fulfillment?
What happens if I just…don’t do this?
The results may surprise you.
Spoiler alert: the world will keep turning.
1. The "Hell Yes" or "No" Test
If an opportunity, commitment, request or task isn’t something you’re directly responsible for, genuinely excited about or doesn’t align with your goals, give it a big, fat “no.”
If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s a no. Simple as that.
Example:
Helping your BFF move into her dream apartment? Hell yes.
Attending another soul-sucking useless meeting that could have been done via email? Fuck no.
2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
It’s okay to say no. Seriously. Your worth isn’t tied to how many requests you fulfill or how “busy” you seem. You gotta set solid boundaries at work and you must communicate these limits and stick to them.
Boundary Tip: “I don’t check emails after 6 PM” is not rude. It’s revolutionary. You’re welcome.
3. Auditing Every "Care" You Have
Write down all the things you’re currently “giving a shit” about. Then, ask yourself these questions for each item:
Does this align with my long-term goals?
Does it bring me joy, growth, or fulfillment?
What happens if I just…don’t do this?
The results may surprise you.
Spoiler alert: the world will keep turning.
The Benefits Of Detachment for Stress Reduction
When you stop stressing over what doesn’t matter - your coworker’s passive-aggressive comment about your lunch break, meeting every expectation society throws at you - you notice some magical things happen.
Clearer Focus
Without the constant mental clutter, you can finally home in on your priorities, like nailing that passion project or spending more time with loved ones.
Better Emotional Health
No more sweating the small stuff means a lighter emotional load. Imagine not having your stomach tie into knots every time Susan from accounting starts an email chain. Absolute bliss.
More Meaningful Connections
When you care about fewer things, you can deeply invest in what (and who) really matters - your partner, your family, your friendships, and your relationship with yourself (that’s a real big one).
Productivity Without The Exhaustion
Here’s the irony: Caring less about work can make you better at it. When you get in the zone and focus only on high-impact tasks and drop the shit that doesn’t matter, magic happens. Suddenly, you’re the person who gets things done without looking like you’re running a marathon.
Clearer Focus
Without the constant mental clutter, you can finally home in on your priorities, like nailing that passion project or spending more time with loved ones.
Better Emotional Health
No more sweating the small stuff means a lighter emotional load. Imagine not having your stomach tie into knots every time Susan from accounting starts an email chain. Absolute bliss.
More Meaningful Connections
When you care about fewer things, you can deeply invest in what (and who) really matters - your partner, your family, your friendships, and your relationship with yourself (that’s a real big one).
Productivity Without The Exhaustion
Here’s the irony: Caring less about work can make you better at it. When you get in the zone and focus only on high-impact tasks and drop the shit that doesn’t matter, magic happens. Suddenly, you’re the person who gets things done without looking like you’re running a marathon.
How To Identify And Eliminate Unnecessary Bullshit
Still finding it tough to tell what deserves to stay on your “care radar”? These actionable tips should help.
1. Spot The Energy Vampires
Pay attention to what leaves you drained versus energized. Toxic bosses, unrealistic goals, and scrolling Instagram at 1 am are all likely suspects.
2. Ask "Who Am I Doing This For?"
Sometimes, we care too much not because we should but because we feel we have to. Is the task serving your goals or just someone else’s expectations? Be honest with yourself here.
3. Create A “Stop Giving A Shit” List
Write down what you’re officially retiring your energy from - guilt-free. Examples might include "Screaming at asshole drivers" and "Trying to impress Karen from HR." Refer to this list as often as needed.
4. Automate Or Delegate
Can someone or something else handle it? Tools, tech, or outsourcing some low-level administrative grunt work can free up your cares for the bigger picture.
5. Some Days Are "Meh" And That’s Okay
You don’t need to win every day. The occasional day of coasting and doing the bare minimum isn’t laziness. It’s smart survival and conservation of resources for when the shit hits the fan and work gets crazy AF.
1. Spot The Energy Vampires
Pay attention to what leaves you drained versus energized. Toxic bosses, unrealistic goals, and scrolling Instagram at 1 am are all likely suspects.
2. Ask "Who Am I Doing This For?"
Sometimes, we care too much not because we should but because we feel we have to. Is the task serving your goals or just someone else’s expectations? Be honest with yourself here.
3. Create A “Stop Giving A Shit” List
Write down what you’re officially retiring your energy from - guilt-free. Examples might include "Screaming at asshole drivers" and "Trying to impress Karen from HR." Refer to this list as often as needed.
4. Automate Or Delegate
Can someone or something else handle it? Tools, tech, or outsourcing some low-level administrative grunt work can free up your cares for the bigger picture.
5. Some Days Are "Meh" And That’s Okay
You don’t need to win every day. The occasional day of coasting and doing the bare minimum isn’t laziness. It’s smart survival and conservation of resources for when the shit hits the fan and work gets crazy AF.
Reclaim Your Life With More IDGAF
Here’s the ultimate not-so-secret secret to winning at work life - stop wasting your precious mental energy on shit that doesn’t matter. It’s as simple (but game-changing) as that.
When you start focusing only on what truly deserves your attention, everything shifts. You’re less stressed. You’re more productive. And that overwhelming mental clutter you’ve been carrying around? Poof. Gone.
It all starts with one small step.
Today, cross one thing off your list that isn’t worth the mental weight.
Tomorrow, make it two.
Before you know it, you’ll have more confidence and clarity to say, “I don’t give a fuck” and you can easily disconnect from work and leave all the bullshit behind.
And that’s the moment where you’ve turned the corner, and you’ll be living your best, carefree life.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
When you start focusing only on what truly deserves your attention, everything shifts. You’re less stressed. You’re more productive. And that overwhelming mental clutter you’ve been carrying around? Poof. Gone.
It all starts with one small step.
Today, cross one thing off your list that isn’t worth the mental weight.
Tomorrow, make it two.
Before you know it, you’ll have more confidence and clarity to say, “I don’t give a fuck” and you can easily disconnect from work and leave all the bullshit behind.
And that’s the moment where you’ve turned the corner, and you’ll be living your best, carefree life.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]