Jack Uldrich
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Addition by Subtraction: 11 is Greater Than 12

Posted in Beliefs, Business, Creativity, Fuhgetaboutit, Innovation, Less is More, New Cards, One minute unlearning, Opposite May Also be True, Paradox, The Way We See the Problem

“You can get 12 months of work done in 11 months but you can’t get 12 months of work done in 12 months.” Please re-read the above sentence. At first glance, it doesn’t make any sense. Upon reflection, however, you may come to see the wisdom embedded within the statement. If you are constantly working,…


Lower the Bar

Posted in Behavior, Change, General, Less is More, Lessons Unlearned, One minute unlearning, Paradox, Unlearning Lesson

It is conventional wisdom that if you want to achieve your goals you need to “raise the bar” or “shoot for the stars.” This works in some cases but I believe a more effective method is to “lower the bar” and start easy. For example, if you want to start a new exercise regimen try…


A Fishy Tale: Less is More

Posted in Books, Less is More

(This wonderful story was taken from Garr Reynolds’ excellent book, Presentation Zen. It is a story of simplicity.) When Vijay opened his store he put up a sign that said “We Sell Fresh Fish Here.” His father stopped by and said that the word “We” suggests an emphasis on the seller rather than the customer, and…


More is Not Always Best

Posted in Ask a New Question, Business, Business Models, Business School, General, Happiness, Human Resources, Innovation, Less is More, Management, Psychology, Questions, The Way We See the Problem

If you are a manager and want to position your company or organization to succeed in the future, I'd suggest changing the normal managerial question of "How do I get more out of my employees?" to "How do I get the best out of my employees?" Why? because passion, energy, creativity and innovation aren't easily…



Non-Pleasure for Pleasure’s Sake

Posted in Analogy, Behavior, Books, Change, Food, Less is More, New Cards, One minute unlearning, Opposite May Also be True, Paradox, Psychology, See What Isn't There, Wisdom

I am currently reading William Irvine's book, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy and stumbled across this paradoxical — or, at least, counter-intuitive — idea: Denying yourself pleasure can lead to pleasure. How? Consider eating an ice cream cone or, perhaps, a pleasant dessert. Undoubtedly, such an experience would…


Stop Thinking About Creativity

Posted in Assumptions, Creativity, Innovation, Less is More, Lessons Unlearned, New Cards, One minute unlearning

Maybe the reason you're not creative is because you are thinking too much or too hard. Try not thinking. Free your mind. Unlearn. A cup can only be filled with nourishment when it is empty. A related post on unlearning and creativity: Creativity Isn't All in Your Head


Make an Impression: Leave Something to the Imagination

Posted in Arts, Behavior, Less is More, Paradox

Of all the types of painting, I most enjoy the impressionist artists. According to this fascinating article, I'm not alone. Many other people, ages 13 to 90, also enjoy impressionist paintings. The reason? The blurry images leave something to our imagination. In essence, we can create our own interpretation. It's a wonderful metaphor for the…


Unlearning Requires Slowing Down

Posted in Less is More, New Cards, Running, See What Isn't There, Sports

The Wall Street Journal has an informative article on running entitled Why Trainers Say, 'Slow Down.' It does a good job of punching a hole in the "more-is-better" mentality espoused by many in the marathon/distance running community. (Including, I should add, myself — once upon a time.) From an unlearning perspective, however, I especially enjoyed…


Underschedule to Overdeliver

Posted in Ambiguity, Behavior, Creativity, Culture, Curiosity, Happiness, Innovation, Less is More, One minute unlearning, Paradox, Passion, Spiritual, Unlearn Strategy, Wisdom

It sounds paradoxical. How can you over-deliver on results by under-scheduling your day? It's easy, really. First, by underscheduling your day you will give yourself some time to think and reflect. And, by taking this time you will, counter-intuitively, come to focus on those things which are truly important. You will drop the clutter from…


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