This is a fundamental question we must ask ourselves more frequently. Strategic subtraction is the intentional removal of components—tasks, commitments, thoughts, and even beliefs—that no longer serve a clear purpose or align with your goals and life.  This allows you to optimise your clarity, focus, and performance. Rather than adding more, you are removing what does not work and doing more of what matters the most.

Where does it come from?

This principle is not a new one. It has been around for a long time and is applied in many industries: 

• Design:  It can be seen in minimalist architecture products worldwide.
• Business strategy: Cutting underperforming products or IKEA's removal of its paper catalogue in 2021, saving 33,000 tons of paper per year.
• Productivity: Eliminating unnecessary tasks or meetings that do not have a purpose.
• Personal development: Spending time journaling for growth, raising awareness of negativity, and setting a path for unlearning habits or beliefs (I teach this concept in my workshops).

How You Can Use Strategic Subtraction

Let me discuss five powerful ways to apply this in your daily life or work. I have included examples of problems it may present, along with my GEM 💎 Strategies of wisdom.

1️⃣  In Your Calendar: Time Subtraction

Problem: Overcommitment, burnout, lack of reflection time or time for you to grow.
Strategy 💎:

• Spend time auditing your weekly calendar. e.g. at the weekend
• Take a brief step and remove or delegate one recurring meeting or obligation
• Block out “empty” space for creative or deep work

🔎 This may look like: Cancel a low-value weekly Zoom meeting and replace it with 90 minutes of undisturbed focus time.

2️⃣ In Your To-Do List: Task Subtraction

Problem: Long to-do lists that never end and hang around.
Strategy 💎:

• Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Eliminate “Not urgent, not important” items
• Each morning, remove one unnecessary task before you begin
• Apply the “Stop Doing” list (coined by Jim Collins)

🔎 This may look like: If a task has been on your list for 10 days, does it need to be removed or delegated?

3️⃣ In Communication: Word or Message Subtraction

Problem: Over-explaining, unclear messaging
Strategy 💎:

• Review one email or message before sending, and delete 25% of its word content
• Focus on one key idea per message

🔎 This may look like: Instead of writing a long email explaining three issues, focus on one and subtract the others. 

4️⃣ In Goals: Priority Subtraction

Problem: Competing goals dilute energy
Strategy 💎:

• Subtract one goal from your quarterly focus
• Apply Warren Buffett’s “25:5 Rule”: List 25 goals, circle the top 5, and actively avoid the remaining 20

🔎 This may look like: Drop a side project that doesn’t align with your core strategy for that quarter.

5️⃣ In Habits or Beliefs: Cognitive Subtraction

Problem: Operating on outdated assumptions and beliefs
Strategy 💎:

• Identify a negative belief or habit that no longer serves you
• Journal or reflect on what you can unlearn to create healthier habits and beliefs

🔎 This may look like: Let go of the belief that you must say “yes” to every opportunity to succeed.

The above five ways help you strategically subtract unnecessary things from your daily life. By doing this, you will concentrate on life's essential elements. Remember that subtraction is not only about doing less for its own sake. It's about doing more of what matters by removing what doesn't. 

If you would like a printable worksheet or journaling tool to help you apply this weekly, reply with "yes," and I'll send one to you.