"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor." - Seneca
When we simplify our approach we often amplify our results. The right kind of less can actually give us more back.
As counterintuitive as this may seem, anyone that has tried to simplify their lives in some way will connect.
The Tools of Reduction
Simplicity, minimalism, the pursuit of less, 80/20 - they're all tools in our arsenal. Tools that can help us live our version of a focused, good life.
At their core all these tools have a similar beating heart. That heart is reduction.
We reduce the excess in our lives.
We reduce the clutter in our closets.
We reduce commitments we're not passionate about keeping so we can spend our time with people and projects we are passionate about.
We reduce spend on physical possessions we don't really need and focus more on life experiences instead.
In short, we reduce the unnecessary so the necessary may speak.
Reduction gives us clarity. It provides a laser like focus. The background noise fades and we tune into and connect with what is important to us instead.
This isn't easy. Our culture pushes us in another direction. It sells us on more. It tells us we need to supersize and that bigger is better.
The truth is more is not always the answer and bigger is not always better.
The Important Stuff
The really important aspects of our lives that give us most fulfillment are quite often on a very short list.
They boil down to a few key areas if we just make the space to listen to what they are.
Family, friends and loved ones.
Passion projects and hobbies.
Contribution and helping others.
Making space for gratitude.
Our mental and physical health.
Quality of life.
These are some of the truly important things in life.
Use the power of reduction to set positive constraints. Make way for what's important to you.
Note: This is a refreshed and updated piece that originally appeared on my site, Frictionless Living.
Carl is a writer. He writes short books full of big ideas. He is also the proud owner of Frictionless Living which is focused on helping readers find and live their own version of a simpler, good life.