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The Greg McKeown Podcast

283. The Art of Subtraction with Leidy Klotz (Part 1)

The Greg McKeown Podcast

Greg McKeown

Education, Business, Self-improvement

4.81.1K Ratings

🗓️ 21 March 2024

⏱️ 39 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Join me and behavioral science pioneer Leidy Klotz as we uncover the untapped potential of subtraction in our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal anecdotes and research that reveal our innate tendency to add rather than remove, despite the clear benefits of simplicity. We tackle the intricacies of simplification, not just in our personal habits but extending into complex systems like legislation and workplace practices. We discuss the challenges of recognizing and celebrating the often invisible work of subtraction, despite its crucial role in achieving elegance and efficiency. The power of simplicity shines through as we examine how master innovators like Anna Keichline and tech titans such as Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have used the art of subtraction to revolutionize industries. From one-click purchasing to hollowed-out bricks, the stories shared in this episode underscore the impact of starting with a 'zero step' mentality. So, if you're looking to refine your approach to problem-solving and innovation, this is your cue to strip away the excess and embrace the elegance of less. Tune in and be inspired to identify areas in your life ripe for simplification and join us on this journey toward clarity and efficiency. Buy Leidy's book. Visit Leidy''s website. Follow Leidy in LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Welcome to another episode of Greg McKeown podcast where we explore of

0:11.0

course the disciplined pursuit of less but better.

0:14.0

I'm Greg McCure and the author of essentialism and of effortless and I have the distinct pleasure

0:19.1

of introducing a guest whose work exemplifies the very essence of what we discuss here.

0:24.0

Joining us is Laidie Clots, a trailblazer in the world of behavioral science,

0:29.0

and a master of the art of subtraction.

0:32.0

As a professor at the University of Virginia, Laidi has carved a niche and understanding how our decisions

0:38.0

can be shaped for greater sustainability, efficiency, and overall impact by the simple yet profound act of subtracting

0:45.9

ladies book subtract to the untapped science of less challenges this

0:52.2

conventional add more mentality and opens our eyes to the power

0:56.7

not only of less exactly but simplification in general. His insights have not only revolutionized approaches in design,

1:06.0

but some invaluable lessons for everyday lives.

1:11.0

In today's conversation, we will delve into how subtracting rather than adding can lead to more meaningful and effective outcomes.

1:18.0

It's about redefining our understanding of value, of efficiency in a world often emphasizes more ever so more

1:28.0

more of the time. So get ready to unlearn and relearn with us as we explore the untapped science of less with the insightful

1:36.5

lighty clocks. So, Welcome to the show.

2:07.0

Thanks, Greg.

2:08.0

Great to be here. I love that you said unlearn, right? That's an element of subtracting

2:11.6

and that's a hard one. So nice.

2:13.4

Just launches into this subject to help us see why you thought it was important enough

2:21.8

to write about subtraction that you invested all of that energy

2:26.7

that you did into writing this book. Why?

...

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