Elevate your game by Subtracting instead of Always Seeking Additions in your Toolkit.

The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu advised, “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, subtract things every day.”

Let’s think about how this applies to our respective careers. The logical things that come to mind for rising the corporate ladder will most likely be as follows -

• Making CV stronger by adding Degrees / Diplomas
• Networking and building new connections
• Taking on more responsibilities
• Going for Bigger Targets

No wonder most professionals are burning themselves out trying to make the most of their days by adding more and more to their CVs and to-do Lists.?

Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave much for many other domains that are equally or even more important than climbing the corporate ladder, such as family, health, friendships, peace of mind, personal development, etc.?

Hence, it doesn’t surprise me that people on their deathbeds admit that it was a mistake to pursue more and more instead of enjoying the simple pleasures with loved ones.?

However, the goal of rising the corporate ladder could be attained by subtraction, too. Let me explain -

• Taking less, giving more
• Speaking less, listening more

• Eliminating distractions that allow more work to be done
• Not stressing about personal accolades, and instead, going out of the way to congratulate or thank others in the most sincere manner possible e.g., handwritten cards?
• Calling it an early night so you could have a quality sleep that would boost your cognition for the next day, aiding you in better executive decisions
• Staying away from toxic people or disempowering conversations since they aren’t forwarding you in your career, nor are they taking the company ahead?
• Coming prepared for meetings and Keeping them short and to the point, making everyone contribute or have takeaways in that limited duration, which adds value to all involved

These could take you to the top, too, but the trade-off here is that you may not appear as smart or competent, sometimes to yourself, since there is no signaling happening here.?I will elaborate -

• Even if you're avoiding distractions, no one knows. But if you were part of the gossip, you are part of the gang.
• If you're sleeping better, no one knows. But if you're socializing at every opportunity, then you are part of the gang.
• If you listen more, not many will be able to gauge the depth of your knowledge. But if you speak more, you will leave an impression on others since you can show your peacock feathers.

We are genetically predisposed to the tendency to add because more and more is equivalent to another feather in our cap, drawing attention and adulation, signalling to the world that we are competent and successful, which our psyche craves.?

How else would you explain the entire spectrum of goods and services, i.e., necessities to Veblen goods? A simple dosa joint serves delicious meals, and so does a Michelin star in Four Seasons Hotel. But chances are high you may be tempted to treat many in Four Seasons instead of Appa Kadai in Karama ;)

Your mind is constantly marching ahead to crave more, do more, show more, hoard more, and be more.

It has benefits, but with trade offs you may come to regret in times to come.

I’d invite you to consciously create systems/frameworks to assess your choices by asking the following questions -

• What could you do with less?
• Whether adding more is necessary?
• Whether loading yourself with more items is the only way, or is there a better way?

You dont need a fancy temperature controlled mattress for good sleep, just reduce your time in front of TV or seated on the chair, you will be surprised with the elevation in quality of your sleep.

You don't need a beauty cream for glowing skin. Avoiding foods cooked with seed oils or packaged foods will give you 80% of the results you seek.

You do not need an LV limited edition tote bag to show that you're successful. You just need to be clear about your goals and have the necessary feedback/measures to gauge whether you're moving toward those milestones or not?

Why does it matter what others think about your level of success?

As it is, no one cares since everyone is most likely thinking about their own lives and issues. They may see your LV bag; what you don't realize is that they may be seeing through it while they debate choices floating in their heads almost all the time.?

“It’s not just that we accept objectively worse results because we subjectively like adding; it’s that we fail to even consider subtraction in the first place.” - Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract

Don't fall into this trap. It's a painful path, and this pursuit has no end.

Seek less to achieve more in the most effective way possible.