Reading your inbox is such a snooze but if you can keep one eye open, and reading, there are little gems to be found.
I was skimming through an newsletter from IDEO (the #1 source when it comes to thinking creatively in the workplace, they have great intro courses on demand) and my eyes latched on to the title of this article they linked to— When Subtraction Adds Value from HBR.
Basically, we humans like to find new and more, rather than winnow down and do less.
Add a new feature! Create a new law!
Instead…how about removing a law?
Or get rid of redundancy—no longer generate text AND email AND phone call appointment reminders?
The article details a study where people were offered a grid with color blocks that were asymmetrical and asked them to create symmetry in as few steps as possible. People chose to ADD color to accomplish the task, not remove color (and removing color would’ve been far less steps).
It’s so easy to move forward by creating more— it’s really difficult to think about doing less.
If I read one less news article in the morning I’d get started on my work faster. I’d probably be just as informed.
It’s a great idea in theory, but I’m not sure I can follow through. At least now I’m a little more critical of my choices.
Do you have action steps that have a few too many steps? I’m happy to hear where you’re struggling, get in touch! Really! Get in touch.