Plus One Minus Two Rule

A subtraction heuristic that prompts review of existing commitments before adding another, with the ratio treated flexibly.

The plus-one-minus-two rule is a deliberate subtraction prompt: before adding a commitment, identify two existing commitments that could end or shrink. Its purpose is to challenge the habit of treating every new request as costless. The exact ratio is a heuristic, not a theorem or an evidence-based optimum.

Count real capacity, not just items. Removing two tiny obligations may not make room for one large project, and an essential duty should not be dropped to satisfy arithmetic. Review time, attention, transitions, and promises; negotiate any change with affected people. Sometimes the right result is declining the new commitment.

When to use it

When new projects accumulate without a corresponding decision about what will end or receive less attention.

How it can help

Look explicitly for work to stop or reduce, then compare actual capacity released with the demands of the new commitment.