1-Minute Wednesday No. 204: The Hidden Satisfaction of Subtraction
Illustration by @jaozolins on Instagram

1-Minute Wednesday No. 204: The Hidden Satisfaction of Subtraction

Design a Life That Really Matters


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. ?


Listen


People often ask, "What is the first step in?living an essential life?"?My answer is always the same: You must know what matters. This clarity changes everything. When I think of someone who exemplifies this, I think of Molly Fletcher. As a former sports agent turned speaker, author, and consultant, Molly has guided some of the most successful individuals in pursuing their essential?goals.?Tune in and learn how you can focus on what truly matters. ?


?

Learn


Trust Yourself

One reason we may struggle to subtract nonessentials is that we lack self-trust. The fear of missing out or letting others down can hold us back. Building self-trust helps us make confident decisions and focus on what truly matters. This article from Zen Habits explains how to take the first step in learning to trust yourself.

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Weekly Wisdom


"To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try."?– Rosa Parks


Take the next step in your essential journey with the Essentialism Academy. Get instant access to masterclass courses, resources, and strategies that will help you live a life you design.? ?

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Rosangela Souza

Administradora e Advogada

8 个月

Good to know!

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Neil Lawson

?Fast Shifts for Weary Business Owners ? Balance ? Simplicity ? Peace??Message me for a Solution ??Subscribe to the Business Owner's Confidential??

9 个月

Generally, the only thing celebrated for being removed is headcount! That too is often misguided.

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OK Bo?tjan Dolin?ek

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Kim Ward

Experienced International Educator

9 个月

“Do less, but do it better” I learned this from Simon Sinek years ago. It’s taking a long time for leaders to catch on.

Catia V.

Helping professional women ditch overwhelm and simplify their lives, so they can do what it is important and thrive | Speaker

9 个月

I guess it is the difference between living by default and creating our lives with presence, purpose and meaning.

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