“It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.” – Bruce Lee
In our pursuit of success, we often equate doing more with achieving more. The logic seems sound: the more we do, the more results we should see. However, this equation isn’t always accurate. What if doing less, but better, could lead to greater success?
Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist, summed up this philosophy beautifully: “It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.” The concept of doing less but better isn’t about achieving less; it’s about removing clutter, focusing on what’s truly important, and doing those things exceptionally well.
Apple’s incredible turnaround and ongoing success under Steve Jobs is a testament to the power of doing less but better. When Jobs returned to a struggling Apple in 1997, the company was producing a broad range of products and losing focus. Jobs slashed the number of products from around 350 to just 10. By focusing on fewer products, Apple was able to pour its resources into making exceptional devices. This strategy led to the creation of iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
In business, adopting the “less but better” approach means zeroing in on your core competencies— the things that your company does exceptionally well, better than anyone else. It’s about streamlining operations, reducing waste, and focusing your resources effectively. This approach can differentiate your offerings, create unique value for your customers, and propel your business to new heights.
Streamlining operations and eliminating waste can enhance your agility, making your business more resilient and adaptable. It can also lead to better financial health, increased customer satisfaction, and sustained growth.
Action Step: Take a moment today to assess your current operations. Identify any areas where you could potentially streamline processes or reduce waste. Also, consider where you could focus your resources more effectively. This exercise can help align your operations with your strategic objectives, improving both focus and efficiency.
The journey to doing less, but better, is a continuous process. It requires regular reflection, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
To dive deeper into the power of “doing less, but better” be sure to check out my book pick of the week: “Rework” by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson.