subtract

Subtract

When improving something, people systematically default to adding and overlook removing (Adams et al., 2021). This skill forces the opposite. Dieter Rams: "Less, but better." Strunk & White: "Omit needless words."

For each component of what you're reviewing:

1. What is the core? Say it in one sentence. If you can't, the component isn't clear.
2. What breaks if I remove it? If nothing — cut. If another component absorbs it — merge.
3. Is this here for the work, or to signal thoroughness? Steps that comfort the author but don't change the output are waste.

Then propose the simplified version. Fewer steps that each do real work beat many steps that feel productive.