Lessons · Molly Graham
articleprincipleInnovation requires subtraction
27 October 2026People
Source excerpt
About LessonsWe're great at starting things. But knowing when to stop? What Google's innovation factory taught me about the discipline of subtraction.
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What a founder can learn
Founder takeaway
Treat stopping as part of innovation, not as failure. Regularly identify initiatives that no longer justify their cost and deliberately end them so attention and resources can move to stronger opportunities.
Why it matters
Starting more work can create the appearance of progress while fragmenting focus. A disciplined subtraction practice protects scarce capacity and makes meaningful innovation more likely.
Relevant guides
Put it to work
At your next planning review, ask: “If we had not already started each initiative, would we choose to start it today?” Pause or stop the ones that no longer earn a clear yes.
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