On my way to the airport today for my next two days in Denver and then Tampa, I realized that I left my computer at home. Losing 30 minutes compromised my finely tuned planning, which has developed over 8 years of departing from Houston's Hobby airport. After my time loss, I knew I could still make my flight but not check-in my extra bag. There was only one solution-eliminate and do it quickly. The next 20 minutes of driving I went through the "essentials only" mental checklist. In the parking garage I rearranged and eliminated until my bulging carry-on could take no more.
Interestingly it was a satisfying experience because all the essentials made it. Once again I felt the complexity and weight of allowing non-essentials into my mind and ultimately my suitcase. The forced "concentration by elimination" exercise was ultimately refreshing though initially frustrating.
This is the exact kind of exercise that individuals and organizations can go through to clarify and apply the essence of their calling or their mission.
As coincidence would have it I started a new book on the plane- The Power of Less by Leo Babauta (2009). What's his first principle? "By setting limitations we must choose the essential. So in everything you do learn to set limitations."