Less Is More: How Cutting Out Distractions Creates Space for Real Growth
Marcus Aurelius, Matthew McConaughey, Minimalism, and removing what no longer serves you
Less consumption, more observation
Less reaction, more patience
Less distraction, more focus
Less judgment, more empathy
Less talking, more listening
In 2024, I found myself reading Matthew McConaughey’s book Greenlights. While reading, a particular section on finding yourself stood out to me.
The author went on to talk about how maybe the way to find ourselves isn’t by adding more things, experiences, or identities, but rather by getting rid of what doesn't serve us.
Marcus Aurelius said, "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
Now, I am familiar with the concept of “less is more,” primarily through the practice of minimalism with items. But something I hadn’t thought much about is how it applies to life outside of household clutter.
The Problem with Adding Too Much
At the start of every year, most people create a list of things they want to do or add to their life. Every year, we begin to accumulate new things, habits, and mindsets.
These new practices may serve us well, but “too much of a good thing” can often trip us up.
So, this year, I sat down and audited the things I was doing on a daily and weekly basis. What I found was that a lot of what I was doing could easily be consolidated or scratched off my list entirely.
As a result, I had more time to focus on things that mattered to me—things I wanted to excel at.
What I Let Go Of
One habit I found myself doing too much of, which I needed to remove so I could excel, was spending excessive time on different social media apps trying to build a brand.
In reality, it wasted more time than it benefited me.
Another thing I had to stop doing was attempting to build another business alongside my current one. Even though building businesses is a good thing, it was something I added to my life that didn’t serve me at the present time, so it needed to be removed.
The Key to Clarity and Focus
When I first started doing social media marketing, I had a client who said something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
He said, “You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything.”
This, combined with what Matthew McConaughey wrote, reaffirms that to truly excel, to truly accomplish what you’d like, and to truly live a fulfilling life, we need to cut out as much as we try to add.
It’s an endless cycle that refines who we are.
What is one habit you need to let go of today to create more space for what truly matters?