The More We Limit Ourselves, the More Resourceful We Become

The More We Limit Ourselves, the More Resourceful We Become

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, it's easy to believe that more is always better. More team members, more resources, more time - the list goes on. However, the story behind how Pocket hit 20 million users with only 20 people proves that this mindset may not always be true. In fact, the more we limit ourselves, the more resourceful we become.

When Pocket first started out, the idea of having a team of 60 people, like Evernote, seemed unimaginable. The founder of Pocket couldn't fathom what they would all work on and why a team of ten couldn't accomplish the same tasks as one person. This realization led to a crucial insight - the more people you add, the easier it is to keep doing what's not critically important.

With a smaller team, it becomes incredibly challenging not to stay focused. There simply isn't enough manpower to handle tasks that are not essential to the company's success. This razor focus allows the team to prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting distracted by less critical tasks.

On top of that, a smaller team allows for a more concentrated company culture. In the early years of Pocket, the founder was able to maintain a strong and cohesive culture because there were fewer people to influence it. The culture of the company was centered around trust, scrappiness, and ownership - traits that were directly reflected in the founder's personality.

This concept of culture can be likened to cooking a stew rather than tossing together a salad. By starting with a few choice ingredients and allowing them to simmer together, the flavors and bonds develop more quickly. In the same way, a small team without complex hierarchies can form stronger bonds and a shared worldview more rapidly.

Additionally, being a smaller team allows for a more inclusive approach to decision-making. The team at Pocket constantly asks themselves, "How can we make it simpler for all involved?" By simplifying processes and not requiring people to reinvent the wheel, they ensure that everyone can easily contribute without unnecessary complications. This not only fosters a more collaborative environment but also saves time and resources.

So, what can we learn from Pocket's success story? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace limitation: Instead of always striving for more, consider the power of limitation. By having a smaller team, you can maintain focus, develop a stronger company culture, and make more inclusive decisions.

2. Prioritize what matters: Identify the critical tasks that directly contribute to your company's success. Focus your resources and energy on these tasks, and avoid getting distracted by less important ones.

3. Simplify processes: Look for ways to simplify processes and make it easier for everyone involved. By eliminating unnecessary complexities, you can save time and resources while fostering a more collaborative environment.

In conclusion, the story of how Pocket hit 20 million users with only 20 people highlights the power of limitation and resourcefulness. By embracing a smaller team, maintaining focus, developing a strong company culture, and simplifying processes, you can achieve remarkable results. So, instead of always seeking more, consider the benefits that limitation can bring to your organization.