We pile on “to-dos” but don’t consider “stop-doings.” We create incentives for good behavior, but don’t get rid of obstacles to it. We collect new-and-improved ideas, but don’t prune the outdated ones. Every day, across challenges big and small, we neglect a basic way to make things better: we don’t subtract. Leidy Klotz’s pioneering research (link here) shows us what is true whether we’re building Lego models, cities, grilled-cheese sandwiches, or strategic plans: Our minds tend to add before taking away, and this is holding us back.

But we have a choice―our blind spot need not go on taking its toll. Subtract arms us with the science of less and empowers us to revolutionize our day-to-day lives and shift how we move through the world. More or less.

The Faculty Development Center will join in community to explore the application of Klotz’ concepts in our Fall 2024 Reading Circle. To receive a copy of the book from the FDC, we ask that colleagues strive to attend all three of our planned discussions. To register for this fall reading circle, please complete our registration form below to share your contact information.  

Our reading circle will convene on the following dates/times: 

• Friday afternoons 2:00-3:15 p.m. 
• September 13, September 27, October 11  
• Location: Duke Library Pitts Room (Room 203)