The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

What could you do less of?

We live in a world that thrives on excess. More productivity, more possessions, more screen time, more commitments. It’s as if life itself is shouting, “More is better!” But when was the last time you stopped to consider what you could do less of?

For me, this question cuts deep. What could I let go of to make room for peace, contentment, and perhaps a little more clarity?

Less Screen Time, More Face Time

Let’s start with the obvious one, screen time. My phone, my computer, my TV—they’re always within arm’s reach, demanding attention. But I’ve noticed something over the years. The more I scroll, the less connected I feel. It’s as if the digital world has become a black hole, pulling me away from real moments with my wife and kids, from laughter that echoes through the house, and from the quiet moments of reflection I desperately need.

So, less screen time. That doesn’t mean ditching tech altogether (I love my gadgets), but it does mean setting boundaries. It means swapping mindless scrolling for a heartfelt conversation, trading memes for memories.

Less Saying Yes, More Saying No

This is a difficult one, I say “yes” too much. Yes to favours, yes to extra tasks at work, yes to plans that drain my energy rather than fill my cup. And while I love helping people, I’ve learned that saying yes to everything often means saying no to myself.

I’ve started trying practising saying no out of self-preservation. Because how can I help others if my own well is dry? Less people-pleasing, more soul-feeding. It’s a lesson I’m still learning, but it’s one I wish I’d embraced years ago without feeling guilty.

Less Worrying, More Living

I’ve always been a thinker, analysing everything to the nth degree. But overthinking has its downsides—mainly, it steals joy from the present. Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t change a thing, but it does make today a lot heavier.

So, I’m trying to do less worrying. Instead, I’m focusing on trust—trust in Allah, trust in the process, and trust that I’m doing my best. Life has its thorns, yes, but it also has roses. And I’d rather stop and smell them than fret about what might lie ahead.

Less Consumption, More Creation

Less consuming, more creating. It’s easy to fall into the trap of endlessly consuming content—be it articles, videos, or social media posts. But there’s a unique joy in creating something yourself, whether it’s a poem, a story, a blog post like this, or even a meal shared with loved ones. Creation, I’ve found, is where the magic happens for me.

What more could I do less of? Maybe it’s less apologising for being myself, less chasing after things that don’t truly matter, or less worrying about what others think. I’m going to try and keep practicing subtraction. Because sometimes, less really is more.

It’s time to make space for the things that truly matter. One small “less” at a time.