Less Is Sometimes More
Have you ever noticed how quickly we begin looking for more when something isn't working?
More time.
More information.
A better system.
Another app.
A different strategy.
Another conversation.
It seems to be our natural response. If a problem exists, surely the solution is to add something.
But there's another question that's easy to overlook:
What could I take away?
Have you ever noticed how quickly we begin looking for more when something isn't working?
That simple question became the focus of engineer and researcher Leidy Klotz after an afternoon spent building with Lego® bricks alongside his young son.
As they worked on their project, they noticed one side was higher than the other. Klotz instinctively turned toward the pile of Lego bricks, ready to add more pieces to the lower side. Before he could, his son quietly removed a few bricks from the higher side.
The project was level.
The solution wasn't to add.
It was to subtract.
That small moment prompted Klotz and his colleagues to study how adults approach problem-solving. Again and again, they found the same pattern. Faced with a challenge, people naturally searched for solutions that involved adding something. The possibility of taking something away often received far less consideration.
That tendency is surprisingly easy to recognize in everyday life.
Adding feels like progress.
If life feels busy, perhaps a better planner will help.
If work feels overwhelming, perhaps another productivity system is the answer.
If a room feels cluttered, perhaps another shelf is needed.
If a conversation isn't going well, perhaps one more explanation will finally get the point across.
Adding gives us the sense that we're moving forward. It feels productive. It feels hopeful.
Subtracting is different.
Adding gives us the sense that we're moving forward…subtracting is different.
Removing something means deciding that it is no longer needed. It may mean letting go of a commitment, a habit, an assumption, or even an expectation. That can feel much more difficult than adding something new.
Our culture doesn't help.
We're constantly surrounded by messages suggesting that improvement comes from adding. Another purchase. Another subscription. Another course. Another tool. Another upgrade.
Rarely are we encouraged to consider that the better solution might involve less.
This isn't an argument against adding.
There are plenty of times when the right answer is to gain new knowledge, develop a new skill, strengthen a relationship, or adopt a healthier habit.
The point is simply that adding isn't the only option.
Sometimes the answer lies in removing what's already getting in the way.
Sometimes the answer lies in removing what's already getting in the way.
An unnecessary obligation.
A habit that no longer serves a purpose.
An assumption that changes the way a conversation unfolds.
A distraction that's quietly consuming time and attention.
Or simply the belief that every problem requires something more.
The next time you're faced with a challenge, your first instinct may well be to ask, "What do I need to add?"
It's a natural response.
But before searching for one more solution, it may be worth asking a second question.
"Is there anything I could take away?"
Sometimes the simplest solution isn't found by adding another piece.
Sometimes it's found by removing one.
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I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Go to heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops for more information and to register for my upcoming workshops or seminars!
About Heather O ‘Reilly
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Join me and start your journey to spark meaningful change in your life. Discover new strategies and develop good habits by registering for our upcoming workshops at heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops