The Pursuit of Less
Why is it that there is always more on our plate than not? We overload ourselves with tasks, become overwhelmed and get very little done. We all know the pattern and yet we allow this to happen over and over.
A recent research has looked into why it is that when people solve problems they typically think “what can I add to make it better”, rather than questioning what can be removed.
The research shows a few things,
by default we add to solve problems.
if there is a cost associated with adding we are more inclined to subtract.
when we are distracted (under cognitive load) we are more likely to add.
I don’t think it comes as a shock that humans are biased to additive solutions – we all know that it’s very easy to create overburden schedules. And we’ve known that less is more for ages, but yet we are continuously forgetting the simple truth of Lao Tzu: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, subtract things every day.”
The impact of this, however, today is massive. We are in an exponential era, with rapid data growth putting exponential cognitive load on our brains, which distracts us from thinking clearly. Our exponential era needs exponential wisdom, and one way forward is to reduce our distraction with the pursuit of less.
Create a “Not-to-do” List
List your priorities and goals.
Mark at least 20 % as low priority.
Move these 20% to a “not-to-do” list.
And stick to it!