The Power of Having a Little Less

What happens when you have unlimited access to your favorite food?
What happens when we tell our kids we have unlimited money?
What if we have unlimited time to complete a project?
What happens when a leader unlimited power?

Though we often want more of everything, the more we get, the less valuable it becomes. In some cases, it can even be harmful. Unlimited is fatal. Many times, we have thought, “I wish I had more resources”. But if we observe carefully, we will notice the creative ways we have achieved our goals when resources were limited.

I began to see this pattern in many areas of life. The real aha moment came when I read this statement in the leadership principles of one of the great companies of our time:

“Frugality breeds resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, and invention.”

Perhaps it is better to have a little less than what we think we need, whether it is power or resources. With fewer resources, we innovate. With less power, we negotiate. That small shortfall keeps us alert, working hard, negotiating, and creating.

So what should we do when we have enough?
We can expand our dreams and make them big enough that our power and resources feel just a little short again. And just like that, we are back on track.

Happy learning!