Less can be More

Welcome to the second half of 2024!

Sometimes in the bid to be super productive we tend to take on too much than we can handle. This can be from the feeling of wanting to constantly add more to our lives: new skills, experiences, achievements. It's the classic self-improvement mantra which is rooted in the believe that doing more equates to accomplishing more and this is not always the case in certain instances.

Let me tell you a story. I once knew an entrepreneur named Alice. By all outward measures, she was successful. Six-figure income, designer wardrobe, constant travel to industry conferences. But Alice was burnt out. She was constantly stressed, overworked, and felt like she was on a treadmill, going nowhere fast.

One day, Alice took a vacation to a remote beach location. Forced to disconnect and slow down, she started to re-evaluate her life. She realized that her relentless pursuit of "more" had left her feeling empty. So, Alice made a radical decision: she began to subtract.

She sold her expensive condo in favor of a smaller, more manageable apartment. She quit the soul-sucking consulting gigs and focused on building a passion project. People thought she was throwing away her success! But something amazing happened. With less financial burden and a lighter schedule, Alice found more time, more freedom, and most importantly, more joy.

Alice's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, less is truly more. Here's how the power of subtraction can work for you:

• Declutter your physical space: A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Donate unused clothes, get rid of knick-knacks you don't love, and see if it doesn't spark some mental clarity.
• Simplify your schedule: Are you overbooked and overwhelmed? Saying "no" to some commitments can free up valuable time and energy for what truly matters. This could mean delegating tasks at work, setting boundaries with friends and family, or even taking a digital detox from social media.
• Reduce negativity: Surround yourself with positive people and influences. Negativity is a major energy drain. Limit your exposure to toxic relationships or news sources that bring you down.
• Focus on what matters most: What are your core values? What brings you the most fulfillment? Eliminate activities that don't align with those values. Maybe it's unsubscribing from emails that pressure you to buy things you don't need, or quitting a committee that no longer interests you.

Subtraction isn't about deprivation; it's about intentionality. It's about creating space for what truly matters in your life.

My question for you today: This second half of 2024 what are you subtracting from your Life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Your chief encouragement Officer,

Osarugue