RR#134 - How I’m Using ‘Less’ to Get More in Business
Let’s get straight to it: the ability to simplify is one of the most underrated—and toughest—skills in business.
At first glance, simplifying might sound like it’s just about cutting out a few things here and there.
But in reality, simplifying can make the difference between a business that’s chaotic, costly, and overwhelming, and one that’s efficient, focused, and profitable.
When done right, simplification clears the noise, reduces expenses, and gives you back time and headspace to focus on what truly matters.
So why is this so challenging?
Why Simplifying is Harder Than It Looks
There’s a reason simplification doesn’t come naturally to most of us as entrepreneurs. Here’s why:
Goal Overload: We’re ambitious, often trying to hit multiple goals at once. This can pull us in too many directions and prevent meaningful progress on any one goal.
Misplaced Effort: Without clarity on the highest-impact activities, we try to “do it all.” We end up spinning plates that aren’t moving the needle, simply because they’re in motion.
Discipline Required: Simplicity requires ruthless discipline—to stay focused on one key objective and to ignore the tempting distractions of shiny new projects. Easy to say, more difficult to do, especially when the distracting opportunities get more tempting as you grow.
The ‘More’ Bias: We have a natural bias for “more”—more features, more content, more clients, more people. But often, less is the real answer (hello, 80/20 rule).
Overlooking Quality: We sometimes fail to see that doing “better” is often more impactful than doing “more.” A better-quality product, a few high-paying clients, a streamlined team—these can have greater returns than adding to the pile.
My Journey with Simplification
Truth is, this doesn’t come naturally to me either. I’ve had to learn the value of simplifying through hard-earned experience and continue to work on it every day.
Here are a few principles I revisit often to keep myself disciplined and focused:
Success is in the Sequence: Business is a lot like baking. You can have the right ingredients, but if you don’t apply them in the right order, you won’t get the outcome you want. I’ve learned to ask myself, What’s the right move, right now? This question alone helps me avoid getting ahead of myself.
“Not Right Now” Doesn’t Mean No: Not every opportunity needs to be pursued immediately. I’ve started using “not right now” as a tool, tabling good ideas for later so I can focus on what matters most right now. Just because something’s not a priority today doesn’t mean it’s off the table forever.
Do Less, But Better: Inspired by Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, this idea has been a paradigm shift for me. Focusing on fewer things allows me to dramatically improve their quality. In business, the difference between “done” and “done well” can have a massive impact—not just on your time but on your bottom line.
How to Start Simplifying Right Now
Want to put this into practice? Here are a few concrete actions to help simplify and refocus:
1. Get Crystal Clear on Your Primary Goal
Ask yourself, What am I optimizing for?
Identify the single most important goal in your business right now. Gary Keller’s question from The ONE Thing is a powerful tool here: “What’s the one thing you can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
Take a hard look at how much of your time actually supports that one goal. If a task isn’t helping you achieve it, consider cutting it.
2. Create a Framework for Decision-Making
To avoid chasing every new idea, build a framework that forces you to think through each initiative.
I use a modified version of the RICE model (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Ease) to prioritize new projects and share the template in our founder community.
You might try Dan Sullivan’s Impact Filter, or create your own.
The key is to have a system that helps you evaluate the value of each new idea and makes prioritizing easier.
3. Add Space Between Decision and Action
If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you probably have a bias for action.
While that’s usually an asset, it can also lead to impulsive projects that require rework later on.
Try adding a seven-day buffer between making decisions on new initiatives and acting on them.
This gives you time to evaluate the decision, plan properly, and even sleep on it before you involve your team or execute.
4. Regularly Audit Your Efforts
Block a half-day each month to review your current goals, projects, and priorities.
During this time, review your calendar and ask yourself: Did these activities move the needle on my primary goal?
Anything that didn’t, consider ruthlessly cutting it from future plans.
This habit can help you prevent drift and stay aligned with your core objectives.
Learning to simplify is a discipline, not a one-time task. But by focusing on the essentials, you’ll notice that you’re able to do more with less—and with far greater impact.
Remember, the goal isn’t just less chaos. It’s more clarity, more progress, and ultimately, more fulfillment in the work you’re doing.
Hope this brings some clarity your way this week.
