How to Create Space For Clarity, Focus, and Growth

How can we create space for clarity, focus, and growth? I believe it's by making a commitment to consistently remove the unnecessary. In a world that is focused on the need to add more, do more, and have more, we often overlook the power of elimination.

Neuroscience and psychology provide substantial evidence that success is found in the process of elimination. Academy award winner Matthew McConaughey mentions this in his book greenlight. He talks about how the process of elimination can help you create a life free from distractions and negative influences that hold you can back from pursuing your best life. He says “Knowing who we are is hard. Eliminate who You’re not first, and you’ll find yourself where you need to be.”

Here are three pieces of scientific evidence that explain how the process of elimination can help you create a happier life by becoming who you want to be:

1. Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory is a well-established psychological theory that suggests that we have innate psychological need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. According to this theory, when we eliminate aspects of our lives that don't align with our authentic selves, we are more likely to fulfill these psychological needs and experience greater well-being. By removing what doesn't serve us, we create space for personal growth and self-discovery.

2. Neuroplasticity and Habit Formation: Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life. When we consciously eliminate habits, behaviors, or thought patterns that are not aligned with who we want to be, we create an opportunity for the brain to form new connections that support our desired identity. Through repeated practice and reinforcement of new behaviors, the brain can reshape and rebuild itself and help us become who we aspire to be.

3. Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that individuals experience psychological discomfort when there is a discrepancy between their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. When we eliminate aspects of ourselves that no longer align with our values or aspirations, we reduce cognitive dissonance and create a sense of congruence. This sense of alignment and authenticity can lead to increased motivation, self-esteem, and a clearer sense of identity.

By intentionally removing non-essential tasks, commitments, and distractions, we create the space and mental clarity needed to focus on what truly matters. This process allows us to channel our energy and resources towards the most important and impactful aspects of our goals and dreams.

In the words of Steve Jobs, "Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains."