Less But Better: How to Design a Life of Impact
One of the strongest themes I’ve noticed in conversations with people is the desire for greater clarity. Life is so full—sometimes overwhelmingly so—and we long for a way to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on a simple but profound idea that might help: “Less but better.”
This phrase comes from Dieter Rams, a renowned designer known for his minimalist philosophy and his influence on companies like Apple. Rams’ credo applies far beyond the world of design. In fact, it’s a powerful lens through which to consider the deliberate design of our lives.
What would happen if we embraced “less but better” in how we consume, connect, and commit? Here are a few experiments I’ve been trying in my own life.
1. Content: Less Noise, More Value
We live in an age of endless content. From the moment we wake up, we’re bombarded by notifications, news, and social media. And while some of it is valuable, much of it is just noise.
Daniel Levitin, in The Organized Mind, highlights the toll this takes on us:
“The need for taking charge of our attentional and memory systems has never been greater. Our brains are busier than ever before. We’re assaulted with facts, pseudo-facts, jibber-jabber, and rumor, all posing as information. Trying to figure out what you need to know and what you can ignore is exhausting…”
Nicholas Carr takes it further in The Shallows:
“As we reach the limits of our working memory, it becomes harder to distinguish relevant information from irrelevant information, signal from noise. We become mindless consumers of data.”
So how can we design a life where content serves us instead of overwhelming us?
Here’s what I’ve been experimenting with:
Pay attention to all the content coming at you. From emails and social media to streaming services and news, take stock of what’s filling your mental space.
Evaluate its value. Which content actually helps you live a life that aligns with what matters most? Which is just noise?
Limit or remove what doesn’t serve you. Unsubscribe, unfollow, and mute where necessary.
Invest in better content. Seek out high-quality books, podcasts, or courses that will genuinely help you grow in the areas that matter.
2. Connections: Depth Over Breadth
One of my priorities has been to invest in relationships. But here’s the thing: relationships thrive on presence, not busyness.
I learned this the hard way after agreeing to back-to-back social engagements. Unsurprisingly, I ended up rushing from one to the other, leaving both feeling less meaningful. It was a clear reminder of why I rarely over-schedule myself: I’d rather have better quality time with fewer people than rushed interactions with many.
Now, I’m not saying you should stop networking or cut ties with everyone outside your inner circle. But when it comes to the relationships that matter most—family, close friends, key colleagues—it’s worth asking:
Are you investing enough time and attention to truly nurture these connections?
Are there trade-offs you need to make to prioritise depth over breadth?
Quality relationships require intentionality. And in a world where time is finite, “less but better” might just be the key to cultivating the connections that matter most.
3. Commitments: Focus Your Energy
There’s a season in life when saying yes to everything can be valuable. You’re discovering your interests, developing your skills, and figuring out where you fit. But as time goes on, saying yes to everything can dilute your focus.
I once went through a leadership development program that helped me articulate a clear vision for my life and work. The process included crafting a short, powerful “burn statement” that summarized my purpose in eight words or less. That exercise transformed how I approach commitments.
Now, whenever I’m considering a new opportunity or responsibility, I ask:
Is this aligned with my purpose?
Is this the best use of my time and energy in this season?
Will this enable me to make my highest contribution?
Sometimes, the answer is no. And that’s okay. Saying no to good things makes space for the best things.
Designing a Life That Matters
“Less but better” isn’t about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about making deliberate choices to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s the content you consume, the relationships you invest in, or the commitments you take on, the question is the same:
How can you trade quantity for quality?
The key is to design your life in a way that aligns with your values and priorities. Because when we focus on what matters most, we create space for the best version of our lives to emerge.
So, what’s one area where you could embrace “less but better” this week?