Imagine a Lego structure that looks like a one-legged table. It has a solid base, a single support piece, and a flat roof piece on top. Now, picture placing a Lego figure just under the part that hangs over without support. How would you change this structure, if it were real, so you could put a heavy brick on that corner without it collapsing? If you succeed, you get a reward, but using extra pieces will cost you.
Many people think about adding more support blocks, which is an interesting idea. But first, let’s think about this puzzle. Your goal is to make it perfectly symmetrical, both horizontally and vertically, by moving the squares around. Try to make as few changes as possible and do it quickly.
What would you do to make these symmetrical? And how would you improve a mini golf course without spending a lot of money?
What’s fascinating about these puzzles is that most people tend to add things rather than take them away. In the Lego example, people often add a block for extra support. In the block puzzle, they add pieces instead of removing them. Similarly, many choose to add features to the mini golf course rather than take something away.
However, sometimes subtracting can be a better solution. For example, by simply removing one piece from the Lego model, the whole structure can become stable without any extra cost. Removing blocks can also make things symmetrical just as well.
This tendency to prefer adding is a known phenomenon. We often miss out on subtractive solutions, even when they are more beneficial. For instance, when asked to improve universities, only a few people suggest removing existing rules or practices. This can lead to unnecessary complications and extra responsibilities.
People often make New Year’s resolutions that focus on adding tasks rather than eliminating them. This bias towards addition is also seen in how we consume things, where we think having more is better.
Interestingly, studies show that when people are encouraged to think about both adding and subtracting options, they are more likely to choose subtractive solutions. This suggests that we naturally ask, “What can I add here?”
This mental shortcut, called a heuristic, helps us solve problems quickly but doesn’t always lead to the best outcomes. It can be overcome with more thought and effort.
One theory is that subtractive solutions might be undervalued because they often get less recognition. People might also hesitate to remove elements because they’re unsure of their importance.
The sunk-cost bias also plays a role, where people stick with something they’ve invested time or resources into, even if it’s not the best choice.
Interestingly, the tendency to add solutions increases when we’re under pressure.
In my own experience, I often add more tasks and responsibilities instead of improving what I already have. This realization has made me think about the benefits of simplifying rather than complicating.
Cultural sayings like “Less is more” and the popularity of decluttering experts remind us to counteract our instinct to add.
Next time you face a problem, take a moment to pause and consider whether a subtractive solution might be more effective.
For more insights on this topic, we talked with a leading researcher on our podcast, where we explore strategies from the book “Subtract” and how they can improve your life.
If you need help simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters, today’s sponsor, Skillshare, can help. They’re offering a free trial of their premium membership to the first 1,000 people who click the link in our description.
Skillshare offers a variety of classes, including one on productivity for creatives, which can help you optimize your working style.
Thank you for your support, and make sure to like this video and subscribe for more content.
Using a set of Legos, create a structure similar to the one-legged table described in the article. Once built, try to stabilize the structure by removing pieces instead of adding them. Reflect on how subtraction can lead to a more stable design.
Draw a simple block pattern on graph paper. Your task is to make the pattern symmetrical by removing as few blocks as possible. Share your solution with a classmate and discuss the different approaches you both took.
Imagine you are tasked with improving a mini golf course. Instead of adding new features, think about what could be removed to enhance the experience. Present your ideas to the class and explain why subtraction can be beneficial.
Reflect on your daily routine and identify one task or responsibility you could remove to simplify your day. Write a short paragraph about how this change could positively impact your life.
Work in groups to brainstorm solutions to a common problem, such as organizing a cluttered classroom. Focus on subtractive solutions and present your ideas to the class. Discuss how these solutions might be more effective than additive ones.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript, with any potentially sensitive or informal language removed or adjusted for clarity:
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Take a look at this Lego structure. Note that it has a solid base and a singular support piece, with a flat roof piece on top. It’s almost like a one-legged table. Now, I’m going to place this Lego figure just underneath the unsupported overhang. How would you modify this structure, assuming it was real, so that I could place a heavy masonry brick on this corner without the structure collapsing? If you do it successfully, you’ll earn a reward. However, every extra piece you use will incur a cost.
Many suggest adding support blocks in certain areas, which is an interesting approach. But first, I want you to consider this puzzle. Your goal is to make it completely symmetrical, both horizontally and vertically, by switching any of the squares while making as few changes as possible and as quickly as you can.
Now, what would you do to make these symmetrical? Lastly, how would you personally improve this mini golf course without spending a lot of money?
What’s intriguing about these puzzles is that when people are asked to solve them, the majority tend to add to the puzzles rather than subtract from them. In the Lego example, most people are likely to add a block for extra support. In the block puzzle, people often add pieces instead of removing them. Similarly, many individuals choose to add features to the mini golf course rather than take something away.
However, in many cases, subtraction can be just as valid a solution, if not more efficient. For instance, by simply removing one piece from the Lego model, the entire structure becomes stable without any additional cost. Likewise, removing blocks can achieve symmetry just as effectively.
This tendency to favor additive solutions is a known phenomenon. We often overlook subtractive solutions, even when they are more advantageous. When asked to suggest improvements for universities, only a small percentage of responses involve removing existing regulations or practices. This approach can lead to unnecessary complications and additional responsibilities in various institutions.
People often create New Year’s resolutions focused on adding tasks rather than eliminating them. This bias towards addition can also be seen in our consumption habits, where we are conditioned to believe that having more is better.
Interestingly, studies show that when people are prompted to consider both additive and subtractive options, the likelihood of choosing subtractive solutions increases. This suggests that there is a natural bias towards asking, “What can I add here?”
This mental shortcut, known as a heuristic, allows for quick problem-solving but does not always lead to the best outcomes. It can be overcome with additional cognitive effort.
One theory posits that subtractive solutions may be undervalued, as they often receive less recognition. Additionally, people may hesitate to remove elements due to uncertainty about their importance.
The sunk-cost bias also plays a role, as individuals may continue with a course of action they have invested time or resources into, even when it may not be the best choice.
Interestingly, the tendency to use additive solutions increases under cognitive load.
In my own experience, I have found that I often add more tasks and responsibilities instead of refining what I already have. This realization has prompted me to reflect on my own life and consider the benefits of simplifying rather than complicating.
Cultural phrases like “Less is more” and the popularity of decluttering experts highlight the need for reminders to counteract our instinct to add.
In conclusion, next time you face a problem, take a moment to pause and consider whether a subtractive solution might be more effective.
For further insights on this topic, we discussed it with a leading researcher on our podcast, where we explore strategies from the book “Subtract” and how they can enhance your life.
If you need assistance in simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters, today’s sponsor, Skillshare, can help. They are offering a free trial of their premium membership to the first 1,000 people who click the link in our description.
Skillshare offers a variety of classes, including one on productivity for creatives, which can help you optimize your working style.
Thank you for your support, and make sure to like this video and subscribe for more content.
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This version maintains the core ideas while ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Problem – A situation that needs to be resolved or dealt with. – When building a birdhouse, the problem was that the roof kept falling off.
Solution – A way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. – The solution to the roof problem was to use stronger glue and nails.
Subtract – To take away a number or amount from another to find the difference. – When measuring the wood, I had to subtract two inches to make it fit perfectly.
Add – To combine numbers or amounts to find the total. – I decided to add an extra shelf to my bookcase to hold more books.
Simplify – To make something easier to do or understand. – To simplify the instructions, I drew a diagram of the steps needed to assemble the model.
Structure – The arrangement or organization of parts to form a whole. – The structure of the treehouse was strong because we used sturdy beams and nails.
Support – To hold up or serve as a foundation for something. – The table needed extra support, so we added more legs to keep it steady.
Symmetrical – Having balanced proportions or identical parts on both sides. – The design of the garden was symmetrical, with equal numbers of flowers on each side.
Choices – Options or alternatives from which to select. – We had many choices of paint colors for the room, but we finally picked blue.
Thinking – The process of considering or reasoning about something. – Critical thinking helped me figure out the best way to fix the broken chair.
