Via Negativa - The Key To Unlocking Your Potential?

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away". Antoine de Saint Exupery.

You are on a process of self improvement.

You are focussing your training, nutrition and lifestyle in pursuit of the best version of yourself, or at least a better version of yourself.

You've added in workouts to your week.

You've added supplements into your diet.

You've added a morning routine and weekly sea dip into your routine.

But just take a second to stop and ask yourself...

When was the last time you took something out to make progress rather than always adding something in?

This is working via negativa.

Via negativa is the study of what NOT to do.

Via negativa is the removal of things that are not working.

Via negativa is the simplification of processes to make them better or easier.

Because simply put, you don't always have to do more.

How often do you feel overwhelmed?

How you fit all this training in around your work, life and social commitments?

How do you find the time to shop, cook, prepare and eat healthier meals?

How do you find the energy to train hard after a long day at work and taking the kids to practice?

How do you add more to your session next week when this week totally floored you?

The better question to ask is this:

What is unnecessary?

It is easier to know that something is wrong in a system that it is to find the fix.

So in an environment where things are very negotiable such as training and exercise, simply take the parts out that don't serve your purpose.

Work via negativa.

Do less, do it better.

Master simplicity.

Find your perfection where there is nothing left to take away.

Your full potential will then be within reach.

Ian.