In Christopher Sandford's comprehensive biography of Steve McQueen, the author reports that whilst filming Papillon, co-star Dustin Hoffman "…began one speech babbling at McQueen at warp speed. Steve stopped him with a curt chop of his hand and the great advice, 'Less man. Less. Toss that s*** out, you don't need it. Keep it simple.' "

This quote came to mind at the weekend whilst I was trying to figure out what to do less of so that I can get more done of the things that really matter.

Serendipity being what it is, I found myself waiting for my Mac to chew through some files and – as I often do during such downtimes – clicked onto a folder full of eBooks that I collect for just such occasions. This time it was the turn of Getting Real. Turns out this superbly written book is all about simplification, and the advantages of doing so. Highly recommended.