Productive Environment Blog

More Isn’t Always Better | Stop Adding. Start Subtracting.

March 20, 2025•1 min read

Why Less Could Be the Productivity Boost You’ve Been Looking For

At Productive Environment Institute, we believe productivity isn’t about adding more—it’s about making the right choices with what you already have.

In this video, I share timeless wisdom from decades in the organizing and productivity world—and a powerful reminder from Matthias Miller: 👉 “Most people want something new, but need something old.”

You’ll also hear about one of my favorite resources, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz, and why it resonates so deeply with our mission.

📍 Why are we so quick to adopt new tools, yet slow to master the ones we already have?

📍 What questions should you ask before you switch systems or introduce something new?

📍 How can you avoid the productivity trap of “more is better”?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by systems, software, or clutter, this message is for you.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/VaVADJj2vZY

Remember: You can have anything you want… but not everything.

🔔🔔🔔
Get Instant Access Now! https://lesscluttermorelife.com

SOAR to Success with Less Clutter More Life! Training for Business Owners, Entrepreneurs & Professionals

Barbara Hemphill, Founder Productive Environment Institute

In 1978, Barbara took out a $7 ad in a New York City newspaper to advertise her professional organizer business. For 20 years, she focused her business on organizing paper and physical clutter for home offices and organizations. Then the Internet Age came about, and she utilized her principles and expertise to help clients with digital clutter. Over the past 40+ years Barbara has helped 1000's of companies, and became an icon and top expert in the industry. She has been featured on national media platforms such as Good Morning America, The Today Show and CNN Nightly News. She has also been showcased in publications including USA Today, New York Times, Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, Real Simple and Guideposts. Barbara and her team teach business owners a 9-step system to go from overwhelmed to optimized. Step 1 is a free Assessment that can be found at www.ProductiveEnvironmentScore.com.

Back to Blog