{
  "id": 311426,
  "title": "Simplify: How to exponentially improve work, life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/simplify-how-to-exponentially-improve-work-life",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-08T12:53:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/simplify-book-axios-smart-brevity"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Simplify: A Guide to Exponential Improvement in Work and Life\n\nSimplify has transformed both my professional and personal life, prompting me to co-author a new book detailing its principles. Titled \"Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less,\" this book, co-authored with Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei and Roy Schwartz, draws from real-world experience and scientific research to challenge the notion that people waste years on unnecessary tasks. The book introduces the Simplify operating system, a three-step process designed to streamline work and life.\n\nThe Simplify philosophy consists of Confronting your activities, Deleting unnecessary tasks, and Amplifying elements that bring joy and achievement. Initially developed to simplify communication in \"Smart Brevity,\" the concept has been expanded to encompass leading, managing, working, and living. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), Simplify serves as a modern survival guide, offering tools to manage complexity effectively.\n\nOne of the primary challenges highlighted in the book is the overwhelming amount of AI-generated work, such as drafts, dashboards, and action items, which contributes significantly to mental clutter. Research indicates that individuals spend two hours each time addressing AI-generated workslop, or digital clutter. Notable leaders, including AT&T CEO John Stankey and Meta executives, have shared their experiences with complexity management, emphasizing the importance of saying \"no\" to unnecessary tasks.\n\nThe book emphasizes that simplicity leads to increased productivity and time for what truly matters. Preorder the book now to embark on this transformative journey towards a more focused and fulfilling life.",
  "summary": "Nothing has improved my work and life more than my new operating philosophy: Simplify . I've seen such a dramatic improvement at Axios, and in my personal life, that I co-wrote a new book explaining step by step how it works. It's called \" Simplify : Do 50% More with 50% Less.\" Why it matters: Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Roy Schwartz and I dig deep into real-world experience and science to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Simplify book co-authored by author and Axios founders Jim VandeHei and Roy Schwartz",
    "Simplify operating system offers three-step process to streamline work and life",
    "AI-generated work creates mental clutter, with two hours spent addressing it daily"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}