Less is more … and more is less

Most of us have heard the phrase, “less is more.”

Generally, we can agree with this statement. The simplest solution is almost always the best solution. Similarly, we optimize our productivity, whether at work, at play, or in our relationships, by doing more with less. By becoming more efficient with tasks and more effective with people.

This isn’t rocket science. Most clichés aren’t.

But have you ever asked yourself if “more is less?”

I’m sure some of us do. But I can guarantee that we don’t think about this nearly enough.

First-world countries are driven by more. More work. More money. More things. More more more.

And it comes at a price.

More responsibility. More stress. More consequences.

Which aren’t inherently bad.

Responsibility drives ownership, which empowers us.

Eustress generally benefits us.

Consequences force us to be more thoughtful and intentional with our actions.

However, a growing number of people aren’t willing, or able, to pay that price. Rather, we’re treating “more” as a cost.

We take on more responsibility than we can handle, which overwhelms us and actually inhibits our growth.

We transform eustress into distress, primarily in the form of anxiety, which impacts at least 20% of Americans alone.

We fail to distinguish between logical and distorted consequences, as a byproduct of overwhelm and stress.

In many cases, more is actually less. Just look at the law of diminishing returns.

If you’re hungry, a slice of pepperoni pizza may be very tempting. And provide you with nourishment. With value, if you will.

But you’re REALLY hungry. One slice just won’t do. You need that second slice. Since you’re not satiated from the first slice, the second slice provides just as much nourishment … ahem, value … to you.

After that second slice, you’re getting full. You could eat a third slice, but it wouldn’t be as satisfying, or as nutritionally necessary, as the first two. And a fourth slice would certainly put you over the edge and onto the couch for an uncomfortable sit-down.

You can see what I’m getting at. You want the most bang for your buck. That’s why the 80/20 rule is so prevalent – focus your efforts on the 20% of activities that yield 80% of results.

And it’s not just strictly in the professional sense. In your relationships, or in your leisure activities, have you ever pushed too hard for something that ended up biting you in the butt?

There’s a reason for that – sometimes, more truly is less.

Whether it’s with work, with people, or with relationships, less is more. And more can be dangerously less.

It’s about striking a balance between value added and the work exerted in providing that value.

This, also, is not rocket science. It’s actually much harder than that. It’s a daily balance that provides us with continued learning experiences and growth opportunities.

Less is more. Almost always. And more is less. Quite frequently.

What are you doing today, and how can you do less, or more, of it? Once you identify what you should be doing less, and what you should be doing more, you can setup your action plan to optimize your efforts, time, and talents.

Have a blessed weekend!