The start of the new year is a powerful time to try something new. This time is filled with a lot of energy, anticipation, and that feeling of a fresh start - which we love.

Research shows that when we want to improve or grow, we assume we need to add on.

We have a bias that we need to do something new, that there’s an extra thing we don’t know about. This bias of addition is what leads us to feeling spread too thin, to feeling overwhelmed, to feeling like we're being pulled in different directions. This leads us to confusion on what to focus on and what to ignore.

HBR found that people systematically overlook subtractive changes. Why? Because adding is easier, subtraction is not.

But, there is another way.

What is my secret to getting it all done?
I DON’T.

Like many of you, I have more ideas than I can execute on. Just ask my team.
My most powerful lesson in 2022 was the power of subtraction.

In mid 2022, I realized that something major needed to change in order for me to have the space and time to work on my business goals, to work towards my vision. This would mean saying NO to work that was no longer aligned to my goals. This was really scary and bold as I didn’t have any projects or revenue guaranteed for the rest of the year.

By subtracting work that was not aligned to my business, this made room for me to say yes to work that was aligned, to the work that would increase my results. The bold move paid off, my revenue for the second half of the year was the same as the first half, while working less and working on projects that were more meaningful to me and my business. This has served as a powerful insight for me as I plan my 2023.

This is the other way to improve and grow: taking away, removing what isn’t working, removing what’s distracting us, removing the unnecessary.

In sharing this principle with my sister, her response was, “I have so much time, I don’t need to subtract anything.” Let's be clear, subtraction isn’t to just save time, subtraction helps you to amplify your results.

In the words of Marie Forleo - “Simplify to Amplify.”

Taking away gives us the springboard to take the next quantum leap towards our goals and our vision for ourselves.

Doing less of what is not working intensifies our focus on doing more of what is working. And that's why subtraction helps us succeed faster. By subtracting the inessential, we enable the essential to shine much brighter.

How can you apply the Power of Subtraction to your life as a leader? What can you clear out in your calendar? In your family’s calendar? On your to-do list? What can you subtract in your priorities, ideas, and decisions?

And in honor of Black History Month, here are a few options to consider as a leader to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment: put formal sponsorship / mentorship in place for Black employees; require diverse slates for hiring and promotions, establish clear and consistent evaluation criteria before review processes begin, and provide reminders about avoiding bias before hiring and performance reviews; and provide comprehensive and actionable allyship and antiracism training.

“The master accomplished more and more by doing less and less.” - Laozi

READ

WATCH

When you’re ready, here are some options to grow your leadership:

Feel empowered and increase your employability
Become a better leader - Accelerate your effectiveness as a leader
Increase your influence - Radically grow your visibility and exposure
Grow your network - Connect with me on LinkedIn for more frequent actionable leadership nuggets to inspire you