Via negativa is a Latin phrase that means “the negative way”.
It’s also a powerful problem-solving technique you can use to find solutions through subtraction.
Imagine, for instance, that you want to get more done at work.
If you’re like most people, you’ll intuitively look for things to add:
- A new productivity app.
- A focus music playlist.
- A better to-do-list.
But it’s usually easier, faster, and cheaper to find things to remove:
- Quit social media.
- Turn off notifications.
- Block distracting websites.
You can add a lot to your life by subtracting from it.
So, whenever you want to find a better way, consider via negativa.