Via Negativa

We're biased toward addition. Add features, add processes, add tools. Often, subtraction is more powerful.

The Concept

Via negativa is the approach of defining things by what they're not, or achieving goals by removing obstacles rather than adding solutions. In theology, describing God by what God is not. In life, improving by eliminating the bad.

In Business

Remove friction from processes instead of adding incentives. Eliminate bad customers instead of chasing new ones. Stop doing things that don't work instead of doing more things that might work.

In Life

Remove bad habits before adding good ones. Eliminate energy drains before seeking energy boosts. Stop doing things you hate before searching for things you love.

Why We Resist It

Subtraction feels like losing. Addition feels like progress. We're wired to want more, not less. But more isn't always better, and sometimes less is the entire solution.