Less is More

Have you noticed that we are constantly encouraged to do, be and have more?

OK, maybe it's just me.

In becoming obsessed with "more," it's easy to find ourselves constantly reaching, accumulating and becoming obsessed with "more".

We gather more things, take on more responsibilities, and commit to more projects, all in the hope that this time, it will bring the satisfaction we're seeking. But does it?

When was the last time you bought something—whether it was a gadget, a subscription, or even a new opportunity—and found that it made a lasting difference in your life?

In his book, "Discipline is Destiny", Ryan Holiday asks us to pause and consider: What drives our endless pursuit of more? Often, it's not necessity but insecurity. We feel the pressure to keep up, to maintain appearances, to avoid missing out. But is that a life we want? Or is it just a reflex, driven by fear rather than desire?

Take a look around your space. The closet, the garage, the drawer that’s become a graveyard for old tech and forgotten hobbies. It's a physical representation of our tendency to believe that more is better. Yet, none of those things solved the problem we thought they would. The thrill of acquiring something new is fleeting; the weight of owning it is often more enduring.

Holiday challenges us to flip the script: Instead of constantly chasing the next thing, what if we stopped? What if we asked ourselves, "Is this necessary?" "What value does this truly add to my life?" Minimalism isn't about deprivation; it’s about clarity. It's about finding purpose in what remains when you strip away what’s unnecessary.

The next time you're tempted to buy or commit to something new, ask yourself, How did it feel last time? If that shiny new thing didn’t bring long-term joy—why would this time be any different? Less is more, not because it’s trendy, but because it forces us to confront what actually matters.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, own more, and be more, the real power lies in resisting the urge to overcomplicate. Less doesn’t just mean having fewer things; it means freeing yourself from the distractions that keep you from what truly matters.

This isn’t about cutting back just for the sake of it. It’s about regaining control. It's about simplifying so that you can focus on what is important,. And that’s something you won’t find in the back of your closet or the bottom of your junk drawer.

Inspired by my thinking, Enhanced by AI