Less is more only when more is too much

“Less is more only when more is too much.” - Frank Lloyd Wright

We were taught in school to achieve the highest grades—not, not just an A…but an A+. To shoot for the stars. To get into that top university. Doctor? Lawyer? Entrepreneur? FAANG (Facebook-Apple-Amazon-Netflix-Google).

An ecosystem that champions success and whatever it takes to get there—competition, long hours, survival of the fittest. This is the type of ecosystem that has born and bred some of the brightest and iconic names, companies, and stories of humanity…but when is "too much” too much?

One thing I’ve unlearned and rethought over the past year (especially with COVID) is there are times when it helps to think like a Navy Seal, and there are times when it helps to think like a monk. It may help to “attack” an enemy full force on the battle lines, but “attack” may not be the right verb depending on the battle you’re fighting—especially when that enemy looking across the battle lines is…yourself. Less may be more when more is too much.

One year post COVID-19 in Amsterdam

“Remember to slow down in life.” - Unknown

How is it that as the world has shut down over the past year, that my mind has raced faster than ever? It’s a Saturday morning here in Amsterdam, and reflection is the game, with my black-brewed coffee in hand, overlooking the waters of the canals that have been around for millennia along with the rustic architecture across the street that must have housed generations of families—life will go on and so will we.

A year ago, many of us thought this “flu-like” virus named COVID-19 could do no harm to the most advanced society mankind has ever witnessed. Oh, we were so wrong. And one year later, we are still battling to carry on…I just hope this “most advanced society” can band together sooner rather than later.

And it’s not easy being so far from home. And while distance makes the heart fonder, it’s quite difficult to grasp the fact that every WeChat with mom allows me to see a new wrinkle on her face—she is getting old.

But one thing is for certain, a year is not lost unless you deem it lost. While our physical bodies were unable to travel and experience the Instagram illusions of modern day life, our minds could still travel the speed of light if we are aware and if we dare. At the same time, perhaps it’s the reason why my mind has never traveled faster than ever—an attempt to make up for what was deemed lost physically. An attempt to exert control over this uncontrollable situation. And just like moving too much or too fast physically can destroy the body, it’s a good reminder of the Tortoise and the Hare. To slow it down a bit…if you truly want to live life.

Art of doing absolutely nothing

It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing anything. Especially during COVID. But it’s hard for us to accept the fact that we are doing nothing. Especially in today’s 24/7 digital society.

But there’s an art of doing absolutely nothing. To not check your phone first thing in the morning nor last at night. To not respond to that text or email right away. To not consistently think about the future while forgetting the present. To be mindful of the here and now.

Perhaps it’s when we can truly realize what it means to do nothing can we start to actually do something. To appreciate. To be aware. To do something worthwhile…to truly live.

What would you do if you knew you would fail?

“What would you do if you knew you would fail?” - Seth Godin

We all think about what we would do if failure was not an option. That’s genie thinking, according to Seth Godin. The right question should be, “What would you do if you knew you would fail?” What is the one thing that you would pursue even if you knew you would fail. In other words…what are you so passionate about that you would try and do anyway…even if you failed?