Clarity comes from subtraction

Clarity comes from subtraction.

The problem is that our default is set to add.
In our personal lives, we accumulate material things, hoping to find satisfaction. We fill our schedules with activities searching for fulfillment. At work, rarely is someone celebrated for what they removed from a project.

But what if we flipped the script?

Disciplined subtraction can help increase your level of contribution. Removing the nonessential increases your ability to focus on and give energy to the most important things.

You can start small by replacing one or two meaningless activities and replacing them with one very meaningful activity.

For example, you can substitute attending social events out of obligation with quality time spent with family or friends. At work, condense checking email to one or two times a day. Use the time you save to focus on deep work that will make a significant impact.

Above all, make this your mission: Remove the noise to hear the essentials speak.