“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
Epictetus
This stoic wisdom is about the different types of greed that can ensnare us, particularly in the fast-paced, ‘more is better’ world of today.
In agile practices, this philosophy translates into prioritising what truly matters and avoiding the noise of unnecessary features, tasks, or processes. It’s about focusing on value over volume, ensuring that each step we take is meaningful and contributes to our ultimate goal. This approach not only streamlines our efforts but also enhances the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our teams.
We need not look any further than agile principle #10 (one of my personal favourites) – “Simplicity – the art of maximising the work NOT done – is essential.”
Challenge yourself to identify areas of excess in your projects or processes. Can you simplify? Can you prioritise more effectively? Embrace the stoic and agile mindset of seeking wealth not in abundance, but in precision and purpose.