“When things aren’t adding up in your life, start subtracting.” —Anonymous
I first heard that quote, cited anonymously, roughly 12 years ago, just about the time I first got into minimalism. I saw it pop up somewhere on social media and immediately took note of it.
It’s interesting how often that happens. We are introduced to a new idea or approach to life and suddenly we start seeing signs of it everywhere. Like it’s been there all along, we just hadn’t noticed.
If you are new to minimalism and the benefits of owning less, I hope you are beginning to see signs of it all around you and are being encouraged that you are not alone in this journey. If you haven’t, websites like No Sidebar and Zen Habits are wonderful places to continue finding inspiration.
Back to the quote, there is fascinating research recently published in Nature, that makes a scientific argument for the importance of subtraction. The idea that our lives might benefit more from subtracting than adding is not a natural inclination that we have as human beings, but there is great opportunity in it.
You can find the entire study and methodology about the importance of choosing subtraction rather than addition here in Nature: “People Systematically Overlook Subtractive Changes”
Or I can summarize it for you.
Based on the study, humans “systematically default to searching for additive transformations, and consequently overlook subtractive transformations” when solving problems.
The study “investigated whether people are as likely to consider changes that subtract components from an object, idea or situation as they are to consider changes that add new components” and “across eight experiments, participants were less likely to identify advantageous subtractive changes when the task did not cue them to consider subtraction.”
In other words, when given a problem to solve, we are more likely to find a solution that adds components, rather than subtracting. Like I said, fascinating.
In one example, participants were given a Lego-housing structure with an out-of-balance roof and asked to stabilize the roof. The simplest solution in the scenario was to remove the one brick from the corner. But most respondents chose to add additional bricks to the remaining corners to stabilize the roof. It was a more difficult solution, yet most respondents chose it because we are predisposed to look for additive solutions rather than subtractive ones.
In fact, across eight different experiments, each time a majority of respondents (90%) chose solutions that required additive transformations, even though subtractive transformations would have been simpler and more efficient.
The researchers went on to explain why they believed this to be true. You can find some of their presumptions here: Adding is Favoured Over Subtracting in Problem Solving
Regardless of the cause(s), we would be wise to be aware of our tendency to consider additive solutions first because it plays out in our lives in both daily and major decisions. But constantly adding components to our lives is not without cost. In fact, this tendency left unchecked results in debt, exhaustion, burn-out, physical illness, addiction, and stress.
Our lives are limited and finite and cannot withstand constant addition. (tweet that)
There is power and truth in the introductory quote: When things aren’t adding up in your life, start subtracting.
Here are 8 areas in life to consider the benefits of subtracting rather than adding:
1. Possessions.
Too often, we think we can solve problems with a purchase. If we just had a bigger house, a nicer car, a newer phone, more fashionable clothing, more toys for the kids, equipment for our hobby, or that new planner, life would improve dramatically. But as I have discovered, often times the most desired items in life (peace, joy, meaning) are found in owning less.
2. Habits.
We’re quick to add new habits to our daily ritual—especially when they become culturally popular or we hear about them for the first time on television or in a magazine. We think to ourselves, “If I could just adopt this new routine, every thing would work better in my life.” But often times, the key to a more meaningful life can be found in removing unhealthy habits rather than adding new ones.
3. Diet.
It seems new diet fads and formulas arise almost as frequently as the sun. But almost all of them (at least those worth trying) contain the exact same formula: remove sugar, processed foods, and overeating (others remove dairy and/or carbs as well).
If you are trying to lose weight, try the simplest route: remove unhealthy foods rather than adding a new regimen to your diet. Subtracting unhealthy foods, rather than adding a new diet formula, is probably the simplest and most efficient solution.
4. Work.
The tendency to overlook subtractive transformations shows up all the time at work. We see it constantly, whether adding new meetings, processes, committees, ideas, or pursuing the shiny new product.
Not everyone gets to control their culture at work or place of employment, but control what you can and look for efficiencies and solutions by subtracting processes and/or meetings rather than constantly adding them.
5. Finances.
Having a hard time making ends meet? The default position of most people is, “I need to make more money.” And in some scenarios, that might be true. But in other cases (dare I say most), the simplest and most practical solution to your money problem is to just spend less.
This is a perfect example of where we default to additive solutions rather than subtractive ones. In most cases, making more money will only result in spending more if you don’t begin to identify the root causes of overspending first. Only spending less can force those realizations upon you.
6. Relationships.
I always try to walk a fine line here. As I’ve written previously, I don’t subscribe to thinking that says: Remove every relationship from your life that doesn’t serve you. If every relationship in your life is solely there for you, that’s selfishness. There ought to be people in your life that you are serving without the expectation of being repaid for it.
That being said, there are times when it is appropriate to walk away from a relationship, rather than constantly looking for the next tool or process to “fix it.” This is a far broader topic than I can do justice here, but I think it’s appropriate to mention that a subtractive solution may indeed be the most appropriate one.
7. Goals.
Confucius is credited for saying it first, “The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.”
If you want to become more successful in accomplishing goals in life, limit the number you are pursuing. By reducing the number of goals that you are striving to accomplish, you will improve your focus and your success rate. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish in your life and choose the two most important. When you finish one, add another from your list. This can be applied on a daily basis as well.
8. Social Obligations.
There is power in rest and solitude. Regularly withdrawing from the world allows us to refresh and rejuvenate so we can make a bigger difference in it.
Too often we fall into the trap of thinking that we can make a bigger difference in the world by adding as many social obligations and opportunities as possible. But rarely is that the case.
9. Words.
The words we use are powerful. Keeping them simple, honest, and truthful (and knowing when to keep quiet) presents wonderful opportunity to use them best. To see what I mean, try this experiment.
Our natural tendency is to add, add, add to our lives. But sometimes, subtracting is the best and most efficient solution to the problems that we face. Start there.
great article. What you have Joshua are all the goals i aimed for years I will try with one from now. thanks
Those are simple words and so much in tune with a minimalist lifestyle. i LIKE to think that if there are people in your life you care about, it is NOT selfish to keep the healthy relationship, THAT’S not “selfishness”. There is no need to keep them away or fix by decades…
I like the whole idea but having a family and kid leads to tremendous social pressure and obligation for bigger house and social gathering. I definitely do not buy or upgrade stuff but one has to maintain certain level of spending to keep a balanced social life. The question is how you draw a line that you are not overspending. The solution can be as simple as budgeting and cutting your borrowing and spending. Lead a harmonious and peaceful life with family and friend. Subtract friends that are over demanding and liability. Do not try to please and impress friends with extravagant parties and fancy gadgets…. they are not your friends at all. Sometime it’s better to have a slow paced social life that gives you time to think and relax at your pace.
Juliet – haha great comment. I would argue about taking away to create more space. For us the designer in the fashion world, more space isn’t always the best. That’s an opinion, of course. Keep It Simply Simple!
Lovely thought, thank you for sharing.
This for me is one of the most important articles you have written. I wonder if it is for you?
Subtraction versus minimalism. A new way of looking at things.
How am I going to get all this done? Makes me think subtracting is good for actions and minimalism is good for stuff. I love calling possessions “stuff” because it reminds me not to respect, cherish or hoard inanimate objects.
I enjoy your writing very much and appreciate your efforts to help us see matters from the Minimalist point of view – surely this is the future if Mankind is going to survive.
So true! Love this perspective.
This is so great. Reading it I kept thinking “We’re all just like monkeys trying to hoard banana’s. Then so busy guarding bananas we can’t relax or enjoy eating them. LOL.
Yesterday I needed to send a complaint email. The urge was so great to really rant. But I kept it very logical and short. Today I got a nice phone call thanking me for my feedback.
We are slaves of everything we own, its time to seek our freedom, to free our minds and souls of debt, to rejoice in the pleasure on the sanctuary of simplicity…
che
I’ve been following you for years. Yet this is the most impactful article, for my life. I will be looking at my life from a totally different perspective. Thank you for this gift!
That’s very interesting. I think a lot of people subscribe to the idea that “more is better” and that people are very less likely to think of ways to subtract things from their life and will always look for ways to add things to their life.
The power of subtraction can certainly be greater than the power of addition.
Good points Joshua. I have found I play the less is less game. That means I look for the simplest route or solution because it means less stress less stuff less time and leas weighing me down. I think it’s in direct response to my family over complicating everything lol
I agree with all of this with one major exception – dieting. For anyone who’s struggled with any type of eating disorder, policing food intake is dangerous. The usual (and more sustainable, as habits go) suggestion is to worry less about subtracting foods – thus avoiding the immediate feeling of deprivation that typically leads to binges – and instead to focus on adding healthy foods.
I read the diet part to say remove unhealthy foods not just remove foods to eat less. For me, less unhealthy is good… now if I’d actually do it.
The simplest solution is to subtract unhealthy foods for your diet.
Perhaps the simplest solution for you – please believe me when I say it’s not the simplest solution for many.
I hear you and agree, Melissa. When removing “unhealthy” foods from one’s diet leads to obsessive, disordered thoughts, what is removed from the diet ends up an unwelcome intrusion into mind space and peace (orthorexia is one example). Subtraction of food ends up multiplying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
I’m still trying to accomplish where I want to be with STUFF. But I love your pointing to other areas to simplify also. I’m sure I’ve read some of it before but this article seems to have smacked me in the face with realization. I definitely will be mulling some of this over going forward. Thank you.
This is almost revolutionary. My heartfelt thanks to you for sharing this.
Take care.
Thanks — I need this!!
A few things that the pandemic taught me about subtraction.
1. Pre-pandemic, I took exercise classes daily at a center. Felt I needed both the activity and socialization. But now I prefer exercising alone. Saves time and money. And I will keep contact with the two people from those classes who kept in touch in other ways.
2. Finances. I saved a boatload of money during lockdown. Saved on gas, restaurants, shopping and hair appointments. Allowed my hair to grey naturally and wish I had done it before.
3. Dieting- During the pandemic, I developed a desire for healthy food and I cooked more. I was paying for and stressing over diet programs. I dumped those and gained peace of mind, healthier habits, extra time spent tracking and money in my account that went out monthly. To be honest, I don’t know what I weigh right now. But my clothes still fit so it can’t be too bad.
Subtraction rocks, but you need to be cognizant of how it can work for you.
I like the idea of minimalism but practicing it in real life is more difficult than I realised.
MLadi
great article…but started more minimally…less is more!
I feel calm just reading this. Wonderful words, sparkling insights. I sometimes feel I need to ‘justify’ my simple life ; eating simply, socialising simply, enjoying simple pleasures in my free time. Nice to feel aligned with you and your community Joshua.
I always believe the old hunter-gatherers, nomadic lifestyle was on to something. They lived a lifestyle of less is better.
They were always looking to edit down to the bare essentials.
I often think about that on the weekends when I see neighbors garage packed full as they wash cars, do yard work and home maintenance.
It never ends. LOL
So funny when we find out we’re an odd duck, as it’s definitely my tendency to subtract everything possible. It just feels good. So glad others might try more of this, too. It’s truly cathartic. Thanks for posting this!