Simplicity is Strength: The Power of Letting Go

Simplicity is Strength: The Power of Letting Go

We hear it all the time: if you want to succeed, you’ve got to do more, be more, achieve more. But what if that’s not the whole truth? What if real strength isn’t found in adding things to our lives, but in subtracting the unnecessary? I've come to believe that simplicity is the real key to progress. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking “more is better.”  We pile on more responsibilities, more goals, more tasks, thinking that will get us ahead. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t always work that way.

We think if we just squeeze more into our day, we’ll magically find success. But all that extra stuff? It can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and a nagging feeling that we’re not doing anything well. The truth is, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, and sometimes that means doing less.

There was a study done by a group of researchers at the University of Virginia who observed that people, when given a variety of documents, 3D puzzles and designs and asked to improve them, were significantly more likely to add to whatever they were tasked with.  Very few people looked to make changes that removed distractions, obstacles or complexities. The study concluded that when we as humans go about solving problems, our brains automatically think adding is the way to improve things. But the real change happens when we start subtracting the things that aren’t necessary.  When we focus on what truly matters and clear out the distractions, we free ourselves up to make real forward progress. Less clutter, less noise, less distractions. More room for the things that bring us joy and help us move forward.

What does this actually look like? Remove, Reframe, Refine

Here’s a little tool that’s helped me go through the process of improving through subtraction. Remove, Reframe, and Refine. Think of it as a map to help you clear out the mental and emotional clutter and focus on what really counts.  Ive used this with projects at work, with relationships and even with something as simple as cleaning out my closet.

1. Remove: ASK "Is this really necessary?"

Start by asking yourself, “What can I let go of that’s not helping me?” We all have things, habits, tasks, and even mindsets that we hold onto just because they’ve been around for a while. But are they really serving us?

I think of it like cleaning out a junk drawer. You might find stuff in there you haven’t used in years, but it’s still sitting there taking up space. Life’s the same way—sometimes we’re hanging onto things that don’t have a purpose anymore. Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can remove from my life today that’s not moving me forward?

2. Reframe: ASK "How and why does this move the needle?"

Once you’ve cleared some space, it’s time to reframe how you’re looking at what’s left. Instead of asking, “What more can I do?” ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I can do that will have the biggest impact?”

Think of it like tending a garden. You don’t need to plant 100 different flowers to make it beautiful. Sometimes, just tending to a few well-chosen plants can create the most stunning, peaceful space. The same goes for your life: it’s not about how much you do; it’s about understanding where to focus your energy and understanding why it is important.

3. Refine: ASK "How can I make what’s left even better?"

Now that you’ve let go of the extra stuff and reframed your focus, it’s time to refine. Refining is all about taking what’s left—the things that really matter—and getting better at them. Whether it’s a project, a relationship, or a skill, the more you refine it, the more joy and progress you’ll see.

It’s like polishing a gem. The more you focus on refining the core elements of your life, the clearer and more beautiful they become. And here’s the kicker: the more you refine, the simpler everything feels. You’re getting better, and life’s becoming much more simple all at once.

The beautiful thing about subtracting isn’t that you’re losing anything. You’re gaining clarity. When you let go of the stuff that doesn’t matter, you make space for the things that do. You can breathe a little easier, think a little clearer, and see the opportunities that were hidden behind all that clutter. In my own life, I’ve found that when I stop trying to juggle everything and focus on just a few important things, I see way more progress—and I enjoy the process a lot more, too. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters.

Here’s a simple way to use the 3R Model in your life this week:

1. Remove: Look at your to-do list, your routines, and even your mindset. What’s one thing you can let go of today that’s not really helping you move forward?

2. Reframe: Once you’ve removed things that are unnecessary, ask yourself, “How can I simplify my focus? What is one action will make the biggest impact?”

3. Refine: Pick one area of your life that really matters to you—maybe it’s a project, a relationship, or a skill—and spend some time refining it. Pour your energy into making it the best it can be.

Simplicity is your super power, simplicity is your secret strength. When you remove what’s unnecessary, reframe your goals, and refine what matters, you’re not just simplifying your life—you’re amplifying it.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: success isn’t about doing more. It’s about focusing on what really matters and letting go of the rest.

Go Live with purpose, simplicity, and joy my friends!