Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less

by Sam Schreim

Unveil Your Hidden The Art of Achieving More by Doing Less

In a world where the constant buzz of 'more' echoes in every corner, your quest for clarity and purpose seems forever out of reach. You're caught in a whirlwind of endless tasks, cluttered spaces, and a mind crowded with information overload.

Pursuing more has left you feeling less fulfilled, less productive, and more overwhelmed than ever. You yearn for simplicity, for a way to unlock your true potential without adding more to your already packed life.

"Greatness Through Subtraction" is your blueprint to rediscovering joy and creativity through the power of less.

Sam Schreim isn't just an author; he's a fellow traveler who has navigated the chaos of excess and emerged with profound insights into the art of living meaningfully.

By embracing Schreim's approach, you will

Decluttering Beyond the Physical: Learn to simplify your mental landscape, creating room for creativity and calm.The Beauty of Constraints: Discover how constraints can ignite creativity, helping you think outside the box.Subtractive Mindset: Explore the shift from a perfectionist to a minimalist mindset, learning to appreciate the elegance in simplicity.Practical Tools: Equip yourself with cognitive tools designed to enhance your decision-making, resilience, and collaborative abilities.Personal Transformation: Embrace this journey as a means to declutter not just your space, but your life. Find joy in open moments, harmony with nature, and personal growth.The book offers a counterintuitive yet effective path to personal and professional fulfillment.

Don't let the simplicity of subtraction be the missing piece in your journey to greatness.

Add to cart now and embark on a transformative journey and experience the power and freedom that comes from embracing simplicity.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept

This book is all about "less is more." It's a great concept, and I like how this book dives in and breaks it all down for us. It talks about how removing all the extra unnecessary "stuff" goes a long way to making you a more productive and creative person, in many aspects. We think better when we aren't surrounded by clutter, and the book even goes into brain scans and the scientific explanation of why this is so. And taking that concept a bit further, we can be more productive by actually doing less. So great. 


There was an odd mix-up of Marie Condo (sic) and a condo (like a condo you live in), and I definitely was annoyed at her name being alternately spelled "Condo" and "Kondo" throughout the book. This book could have used a good proofreader, not only because of the Condo/condo/Kondo issue, but other small careless errors such as a woman's name being spelled Marie and Mary interchangeably, and someone else named Luis starting out as a she and then becoming a he, blank "Key Takeaways" sections, and incorrectly conveying Jeff Bezos's two pizza rule.  Also, as I was reading it, I felt like the word "subtraction" was used so much it was driving me a little bit crazy, but I think that's just me. Good book, good concept, needs some fixing up. 

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strive to be a minimalist. This is a phrase that we have been hearing for years in various shapes and forms. Instead of "minimalize", the book focuses on the terms "subtractive thinking" and/or "subtractive mindset". There are no new "light bulb" moments in this book, but it does a great job of putting years of collective thoughts into one resource.
The author gives a complete overview of a subtractive mindset, explaining how it aims to eliminate hoarding and collecting, to decrease stress levels, while increasing creativity, happiness, productivity/focus and sense of purpose. You'll learn (or be reminded) what subtractive mindset is, the science behind it, various tips and techniques to achieve it, as well as the numerous benefits to your overall wellness. Again, it's a great one-stop information source for research, tips and techniques introduced by other minimalist pioneers.
As an educator, I enjoyed the reminder to keep students' learning environments distraction-free. Quotes and findings such as Goodwin & Fisher's (2011), "an excess of visual stimuli steers students' focus away from the materials they're being taught" are welcome reminders. For a more visual interpretation, I appreciated the author's words, "Being overstimulated by excess distractions is tantamount to having too many tabs on your browser."
One final note, I always appreciated quick summaries or recaps at the end of a chapter in nonfiction and self-improvement books. It appears that this was an aim for this book as well. I don't know if it is a printing error or if this is a transfer error on Kindle, but most of the key takeaway sections are missing from Chapter 3 on.

[Nancy Retallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A program like this works for me.

Greatness Through Subtraction by Sam Schreim is a self-help book that aims to help others declutter their lives. The book’s main theme is to teach how to let go of old beliefs and provides advice, inspiration, and guidance on how to do so. The author has woven his own experience of decluttering into this book, providing a step-by-step process on how we can declutter our lives too. He calls it “subtraction,” which is essentially a process of elimination.

The book is well put together and easy to understand, making it a great personal reference guide as well as a professional guide. The author discusses tools, techniques, and strategies that are effective in decluttering our life. He also weaves in philosophical beliefs that advocate “less is more” while working toward our greatest selves. It always feels good to let go of excess baggage.

A program like this works for me. Sleep, nutrition, routines, creativeness, improving my focus on what is important, just to name a few processes. Other suggestions are also effective like taking care of your mental health by decluttering your life. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to declutter their life and achieve greatness through subtraction.

[Natalie Susa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was deeply disappointed by this book. Firstly, it needed to be edited way more. There were several pronoun agreement errors and in some chapters the keynotes at the end were missing even though there was a heading for it. The references were missing as well despite the heading implying space for it. The kindle book itself didn’t have chapters in the way that I could jump between them so it was hard to distinguish how many pages I had left. It would also be difficult to use this book as a resource later without marking the copy up yourself for the same reason. I’ve personally never been much of a minimalist, but when I went off to college I definitely lived a minimalist life. I think it’s a little bit dramatic to think it will change your life especially if you are mentally ill. Not having stuff won’t fix my anxiety. An overactive anxious mind won’t be fixed by journaling. Also I think it is very concerning to offer ANY diet advice without any disclaimer especially if you are not a nutritionist. Diet culture is extremely dangerous and this does not acknowledge the other extreme opposite of obesity which is eating disorders which are more likely to kill you faster than obesity and will cause a lifetime of issues even if you recover, but oh sure subtraction is the answer.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people have felt at one time or another that life puts too many demands on them. That can be true in the professional realm, but they may even feel that way during their downtime. Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less, by Sam Schreim, is a book with specific instructions for taking away those feelings. In short, it’s a gameplan for those who want to quiet their minds and find fulfillment while living more simply.

Schreim does a remarkably good job of explaining why many people feel unfulfilled. The pressures of modern life are many, and he’s able to deconstruct them in a way any reader can understand. He then lays out a blueprint for calm and tranquility based on a minimalist philosophy that is not unlike traditional Buddhist teachings.

Anyone who feels too much anxiety and who’s ready to alleviate those feelings would do well to follow these teachings. Simplicity can truly be the key to happiness, and this is an excellent roadmap that shows you how to find it.

[Sarah Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional read!

I am exceptionally pleased that I came across this life-changing book as I have learned a myriad of ways to discover the desired freedom that rests within simplicity and openness. This book literally determines and enlightens the prominent saying 'less is more' and is brimming with astounding realities of subtraction. The writer provides the reader with proven studies and coaches his audience to declutter their minds and physical space for lessening mental strain and increasing concentration and creativity for an overall enhanced lifestyle.  Schriem's profound knowledge and experience on the matter of subtraction truly enticed me and I am fortunate to assimilate this book. The power and potential of subtraction is plausibly quite difficult to fathom but after reading this book you will see just how transfixing subtracting things is . This book is extremely recommended for all people with busy and chaotic careers and lifestyles.

[Taylor Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a transformative read that challenged my conventional notion of success. As someone navigating a hectic life, the insights found in this book really resonated with me. The book masterfully explores the power of doing less to achieve more and offers a refreshing take on productivity. What sets it apart and what I found most helpful was the practical Cognitive Toolset, it’s been a game-changer for streamlining my priorities. The author’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts digestible. Personally, I found the anecdotes relatable, adding authenticity to the strategies. This book doesn't just preach; it guides you through actionable steps. Whether you're juggling a career, relationships, or personal goals, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a mindful approach to success.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with a masterful blend of wisdom, empathy, and insight by author Schreim, ‘Greatness Through Subtraction’ offers strategies and inspiring stories that will help us rediscover joy and creativity through the power of less. What makes this book stand out is its incredible knack for connecting our personal and professional sides. It brings in practical tools that not only make our everyday lives better but also have a big impact on our careers.

Whether you're stuck in the same old routine every day or reaching for big goals in your career, this book is like a guide. It'll point you in the direction of a more meaningful and satisfying life. Get ready for a journey that's all about changing how you see things and guiding you toward a more fulfilled and real life. This book is a comprehensive guide that I now keep within arm's reach for ongoing reference.

[Susel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think “Greatness Through Subtraction”, written by Sam Schreim, is a true gem for those seeking clarity, purpose and a meaningful life in the midst of a world clamoring for more. The author, a fellow traveler of life's chaos, shares profound insights into achieving more by doing less; a concept that I believe is refreshingly explored in this well-crafted book.

This wonderful author introduces a subtractive mindset, guiding us readers from perfectionism to appreciating the elegance of simplicity. The book offers practical cognitive tools designed to enhance decision-making, resilience and collaborative abilities, which are key components for personal transformation. I love that each chapter unfolds with lots of strategies, stories and inspiring anecdotes that empower readers to embrace simplicity. I recommend reading it!

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book helped me change my toxic relationship to live into a healthier one.

“Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less” by Sam Schreim is a great approach to changing people's lifestyle to healthier ones. We live in a society where everything has to be fast and productive and where more is better. But this isn’t necessarily the best way to live for a human. And this book managed to really change my mindset on it. Sometimes, less is more and that’s something you can apply to everything in your life. The book talks about how overstimulated we all are and that there are constantly things to be done, said, thought and bought. I personally was that person that just couldn’t rest by myself without doing anything. But this book helped me change my toxic relationship to live into a healthier one.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleashing Greatness Through Subtraction

"Greatness Through Subtraction" by Sam Schreim is a five-star guide that redefines success by simplifying our approach. Schreim's clear and impactful writing introduces a cognitive toolset, offering practical insights for achieving more by doing less. This book stands out for its ability to demystify complexity, making success accessible through strategic simplification. Schreim's approach is refreshing, providing readers with actionable steps to unlock their true potential. "Greatness Through Subtraction" is a game-changer, earning earns its five stars for streamlined brilliance and empowering individuals to achieve greatness with minimal effort. A must-read for those ready to transform their approach to success. Without a doubt, this book is a must-read for those who want to make more by doing less.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reas this book to learn how to use your full potential!

“Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less” by Sam Schreim is a book to find clarity in the midst of so much information and demands.
With the accelerated growth and change of humanity, the demands are becoming so great that they make you confuse your purpose and your path. The author invites us to use our full potential without having so much information that intoxicates our deepest desires.
This is a great book to question our default questions and to grow personally by returning to our center. It is a guidebook full of wisdom. You will love the author's narrative, his way of giving examples, his approachability, and how addictive it becomes to read. This book is undoubtedly like embarking on an adventure.

[Madonna Fortin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, informative read enabling one to have a better focus on life and purpose by means of reducing (ie. “Subtracting”) life’s distractions of clutter in over abundance of data by thought process known as subtractive thinking.

This book reads in a manner that is well explained and easy to understand. It addresses basic human instinct to hoard for survival and redirects our manner of thinking that less truly is more, to release lugging of extra baggage and clear space to provide ease in breath and movement towards a more full life.

I found this book to be extremely relevant in my personal life, supplementing my desire to tighten my circle of friends and family as I move forward into the New Year with those that bring me joy, positivity, support, and love. Also I’m a Flight Attendant that could learn a trick or two on packing lighter!!!

[D.G. Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you should read that poses some deep thoughts with easy-to-follow solutions to implement. Information overload, overstimulation – we’ll all be victims of it. This author promotes a philosophy I have long been a proponent of, which is the power of decluttering to sharpen your attention and increase your concentration on what you need from life. I appreciate how the well-researched text makes the point that sometimes our survival instinct might get in the way of our becoming better human beings. Accumulating clutter is a simple example (of many) that can be easily remedied, as suggested by the book. This writer with his free and easy style makes it easy to get into the habit of maintaining a subtraction state of mind.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title very well suggests, this book has the power of equipping us with tools that will help us free out space from our minds so that we think and work with more clarity and enhance our decision-making and collaborative abilities.
Greatness Through Subtraction is loaded with practical tips, it is written in the form of a guide for us to have at hand every time we feel our lives are far from being what we can regard as “minimalist” because we always need or want more.
One thing to highlight about this book is that the author not only included tips, but also historical references, what makes it more comprehensive and fact-driven. Besides, he used easy and non-technical vocabulary for all types of readers to grasp.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that everyone should read once in their life. A book that will help us simplify our lives, to make decisions, increase our creativity, and improve our skills to make our lives easier and more peaceful. ‘’Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less’’ is the book in the Cognitive Toolset series written by Sam Schreim. In this book, the author teaches us to live better and happier every day, because each task, work, or even simply rest can be more beneficial if we manage our time better. This book gives us the tools we need to simplify all aspects of our lives. This book is useful and promises to help us to improve and invest our time better.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatness Through Subtraction is an eye opener. It explains in detail how to accomplish much more by actually doing a lot less. This is a premise that really appeals to me, as minimalism as a lifestyle allows one so much more flexibility and freedom. In a few succinct chapters, the author covers everything about subtraction, starting with a brief history and overview and naming the benefits of subtraction. Sam Schreim’s book continues with advice for decluttering one’s life and mind, a section on fostering creativity through constraints and many other illuminating chapters. The author’s advice on quitting unnecessary commitments that are sucking up one’s time is especially useful to me. This is a very important book to read if you want more clarity and less clutter in your life.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever perspective.

This book was like a bucket of cold water dawning on me, particularly in this time of year when I feel overwhelmed with activities.
Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less by Sam Schreim is a very interesting book that proposes a different but clever point of view about who is the best path to personal and professional fulfillment.
Less is more. It is a simple and short lesson to hear but sometimes, it is really difficult to understand and to apply. One of the tips that I value most is the change from a perfectionist mentality to a minimalist one, to learn to value simplicity. I think it has beneficial tips for personal and professional life.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less is more.


Exploring the minimalist idea, this book shares practical tools, tips and ideas to improve your perception and outlook in life. I have always had a very busy life and that I have a lot of things going for me and sometimes because I try to do all I end up finishing none. And upon reading this book, I realised that decluttering my mind will improve my productivity and focus. I was nodding my head when I was reading about quitting unnecessary commitments, so many things so little time, and streamlining what activities to sign up for will not only keep stress away but also make use of your precious time. I vow to only do things that spark joy to my heart. A happy heart, body and soul.

[Yolanda Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greatness Through Subtraction" by Sam Schreim is a profound revelation in a world fixated on 'more'. I consider this must earn a five-star rating, because it provides wisdom, guiding readers toward a life of purpose and fulfillment by embracing the power of less. The author's insights delve deep into the psychology of simplicity, unveiling the art of achieving more by doing less. Through practical tools and a transformative mindset shift, this book empowers readers to declutter their minds, embrace constraints for creativity, and find joy in simplicity. It's a must-read blueprint for anyone seeking genuine personal and professional growth. I totally recommend reading this book, it's a mind opener.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greatness Through Subtraction" by Sam Schreim is a five-star useful reading in a world obsessed with 'more'. This guide to achieving more by doing less isn't just a book, it's a transformational journey toward clarity and purpose. With this, readers learn to declutter not just physical spaces but also mental landscapes, fostering creativity and calm. Embracing constraints as catalysts for innovation and shifting from perfectionism to minimalism, Schreim offers practical cognitive tools for enhanced decision-making and resilience. This book is about personal transformation, finding joy in simplicity, nature, and growth. The author's wisdom, coupled with actionable strategies, makes this an essential read for anyone seeking fulfillment and a life of greater clarity and joy.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Schreim is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded Business Model Hackers and wrote "Greatness Through Subtraction: Unlocking the Genius of Achieving More by Doing Less" where he describes the importance of addition by subtraction thinking, where the readers can fully comprehend what this theory is about. Sam's writing is fun, easy-going, and relatable.
I was able to understand and learn a lot from this book! The rule of 80/20 stuck with me! We are living in a fast-paced environment and to have a book that shows you how much you can achieve by doing less is a win! This book is a great start for anyone looking to improve their time management skills. Solid reading!

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Schreim’s self-help book is a great way to get your priorities sorted out and to find out what your core values are. Most importantly, the author teaches us how to identify our core values and goals and how to go about achieving them. There are many things that the author touches on in this short yet comprehensive little volume. They range from de-cluttering your physical space to creating a clear mind, a bit like a pleasant website that is not cluttered with advertisements and banners flashing at one. I highly recommend this book if you want to streamline your life in every area. A solid five stars from me.

[Mrs tooba usman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book you will not regret reading

Greatness Through Subtraction" by Sam Schreim is like a guide to a better life. It teaches that by cutting out unnecessary stuff, we can find true success and happiness.

I was hooked from the beginning by the compelling writing style. And the way the information ties to the reality of our everyday life

The author shares practical advice and inspiring stories to make it easy to understand. Reading this book feels like a friendly push towards a simpler, more meaningful life. If you want to feel motivated and learn how to make life better by keeping things simple, this book is for you

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatness Through Subtraction brings up a topic that sounds confusing but ends up being completely true: sometimes doing more, results in actually doing less. The fast-paced life humans are experiencing all over the world has a great impact on society, clouding the mind and resulting in loss of purpose, and meaning of life causing distress.

Sam Schreim writes with experience and provides several examples and studies to make this point, among others. It is something that has happened to me more than once, and reading about it was a relief, knowing that it is something common and that it has an explanation.

Overall, it's a well-deserved review for a book that, I consider, makes an impact.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Cognitive Toolset series by author Sam Schreim is Greatness Through Subtraction, and it delves, according to its title, with the art of achieving more by doing less.
This premise is not based on laziness, but rather on the intelligence and cunning of focusing the efforts in the strictly necessary to achieve the objectives. This book delves with a minimalist perspective, as it highlights the power of less and the joy and creativity that it implies.
All in all, this a guide that provides valuable tools, useful strategies and inspiring stories to begin a minimalist lifestyle and at the end, to reach a personal fulfillment and live meaningfully.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatness Through Subtraction by Sam Schreim is a revolutionary concept of simplifying to amplify challenges the traditional notions of success, providing readers with a profound cognitive toolset.
The writing is not just instructive, it's genuinely inspiring, urging readers to rethink their approach to productivity and impact. The book excels in practicality, offering a clear roadmap to strip away the superfluous and focus on what truly matters. Real-world examples solidify the effectiveness of the author's philosophy, making it applicable to a wide audience.
This reading stands out for its accessibility and the immediate applicability of its cognitive toolset.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Greatness Through Subtraction" is a book for all those readers who want to simplify their mental landscape, creating space for creativity and calm. I also provided cognitive tools designed to improve decision making, resilience and collaboration skills.
I really liked Sam Schreim’s approach since I think it is very complete and helps the reader in the transition from achieving more by doing less. This process is not simple and there are ups and downs, but with a guide like this, the author can navigate these moments, feeling accompanied. I certainly recommend this inspiring reading to all readers who do not settle for little.

[Grace Bazile · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greatness Through Subtraction" is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional wisdom of "more is better." The author presents a compelling case for achieving more by doing less, offering a cognitive toolset to help readers unlock their true potential. With practical advice and real-life examples, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to maximize their productivity and success