Autumn: Today we're tackling our default mode when facing problems: adding more. We'll explore why subtraction, as highlighted in Leidy Klotz's book "Subtract," is often the more powerful, yet overlooked, solution. Autumn: Feeling overwhelmed by your overflowing inbox, endless to-do list, or projects bogged down by too many 'good ideas'? That's our addition bias. We instinctively try to fix things by adding – another app, another meeting, another rule. It feels productive, but often just adds complexity and stress, burying simpler solutions. Think about buying more storage bins instead of decluttering, or adding more features when a simpler design would work better. This constant adding makes our busy lives feel even more complicated. Autumn: The solution is to deliberately embrace subtraction. When faced with a challenge, pause and ask: what could I remove here? This isn't just about tidying up; it's a strategic choice. Consider the Embarcadero Freeway in San Francisco. After earthquake damage, removing it entirely revitalized the waterfront, creating valuable public space. Or think about simplified medical checklists drastically cutting infections by removing unnecessary steps, focusing only on essentials. Our brains struggle with this; in experiments, few think to remove Lego bricks to improve a structure, even when it's the best way. We need to overcome this bias. Removing clutter, whether it's unused apps, pointless meetings, or redundant steps in a workflow, creates clarity and focus. It’s like editing – removing excess words strengthens the core message. Could you simplify that report? Prune your commitments? Ditch an old assumption? Seeing removal not as loss, but as a gain in effectiveness, is key. Autumn: So, here’s your takeaway: Look at your packed schedule or to-do list for tomorrow. What's one meeting, task, or even app notification you can remove right now to create not just time, but vital mental space and energy? Try subtracting. You might be surprised by the value it adds. Keep exploring, keep simplifying!