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Addition by Subtraction: Insights from Jason Littrell's Journey to Health and Well-being

July 29, 20244 min read

Addition by Subtraction: Insights from Jason Littrell's Journey to Health and Well-being

Understanding how the elimination of certain habits can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life through the lens of hospitality consultant Jason Littrell.

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of well-being and mental clarity often gets overshadowed by our incessant chase for success and material gains. Jason Littrell, a seasoned hospitality management consultant based in New York City, shares his journey towards a cleaner, healthier lifestyle by subtracting certain habits from his daily routine. In his latest video, Jason delves deep into the philosophy of "Addition by Subtraction," offering rich insights and personal anecdotes that are both enlightening and practical.

The Trigger: A Life-altering Layoff

Being laid off from a job can be a devastating experience, but for Jason Littrell, it was a blessing in disguise. Laid off a month ago, Jason took this as an opportunity to re-evaluate and re-align his life. This unexpected turn prompted him to pick up new clients and embark on a path where he would focus on personal and professional growth. His newfound freedom allowed him to make significant lifestyle changes, contributing to his overall well-being.

The Habit Overhaul: Cutting Out the Unnecessary

The Caffeine Cutback

One of the most notable changes Jason discusses is his decision to stop consuming caffeine. He vividly recalls his routine of having more than one pot of coffee a day, along with iced coffee on the go. "I found myself consuming an enormous amount of coffee," he notes, soon realizing the adverse effects on his sleep and mood. On his first day without caffeine, the withdrawal symptoms hit him hard, manifesting as irritability and a mild headache. Despite the discomfort, Jason is resolute, viewing this step as essential to improving his overall quality of life.

Eliminating Alcohol, Tobacco, and Sugar

Jason’s health journey didn’t start with caffeine. Over the past six months, he has also given up alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and carbohydrates. These drastic changes stem from his desire to remove anything he feels is detrimental to his well-being. Jason employs a mindset rooted in liminal thinking, which encourages altering one’s beliefs to eliminate the desire for things perceived as harmful.

The Philosophy: Addition by Subtraction

A Simplified Life

Jason describes his approach as "Addition by Subtraction." By eliminating habits and substances that do not serve him well, he aims to create a life that is better, faster, happier, and easier. This philosophy extends beyond dietary changes; it’s a holistic approach toward simplifying life. “I don’t like stuff. I’m literally sitting on the ground right now,” Jason asserts, emphasizing his preference for experiences over material possessions.

Historical Perspective on Modern Habits

Delving into historical and biological contexts, Jason reflects on the book "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari. He explains how modern humans are physiologically rooted in habits formed over hundreds of thousands of years, contrasting sharply with the relatively recent advent of agriculture and industrialized food products. He highlights the dichotomy of living longer yet unhealthier lives due to modern diets rich in carbohydrates and sugars, which were largely absent in our ancestral diets.

Practical Challenges and Real-life Applications

Adapting to Modern Realities

Jason also touches on the practical challenges of maintaining his new lifestyle, particularly when it comes to preparing meals for his growing son. While he sticks to his no-sugar, no-carb diet, he acknowledges that his son’s nutritional needs are different. This highlights the adaptability needed to navigate a healthier lifestyle within a society where sugar and processed foods are ubiquitous.

The Role of Technology and Automation

In moments of low energy and cognitive fog, Jason expresses gratitude for the automations and AI tools operating in the background, managing tasks and maintaining productivity. This reflects his insightful blend of ancient wisdom with modern technology, ensuring that he stays on track with both his personal and professional commitments.

Conclusion: A Continuing Journey

Jason Littrell’s journey is a work in progress, one rooted in a commitment to ongoing self-improvement. As he continues to cut out caffeine and other elements from his life, his goal remains clear: to lead a more fulfilling, healthier life that allows him to enjoy quality time with his family and excel in his career. His approach of "Addition by Subtraction" offers a thought-provoking roadmap for anyone looking to make substantial life changes for the better.

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Jason Littrell

Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab. With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs. As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry. Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game. Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.

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Who is Jason Littrell?

Jason Littrell is a seasoned cocktail maker, bar consultant, event producer, speaker, author, and brand marketing expert with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry.

What services does Jason Littrell offer?

Jason offers a range of services including bar consultancy, cocktail menu development, staff training, event production and management, keynote speaking, educational workshops, and brand marketing strategies in NYC, 100% free of charge. For more details, please use the chat widget or contact form.

Can Jason Littrell help in designing and setting up a new bar?

Absolutely. Jason specializes in bar consultancy, including design, menu creation, staff training, and operational efficiency, tailored to the unique needs of each client.

As a speaker, what topics does Jason typically cover?

Jason speaks on a range of topics including cocktail culture and history, bar and hospitality industry trends, brand building, and customer engagement strategies.

Has Jason Littrell authored any books or articles?

Yes, Jason is the author of Bartender as a Business, and contributed to several publications in the field of cocktails and hospitality.

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How does Jason approach brand marketing in the hospitality sector?

Jason combines his deep industry knowledge with innovative marketing techniques to create compelling brand narratives and engagement strategies that resonate with target audiences.

What is Kinetic Management Systems?

KMS is the business Jason owns that implements hospitality management systems for sales, marketing HR, and operations. This site is built with KMS, and if you call any of the phone numbers, fill out any of the forms, engage with the chat, you're engaging with KMS systems. For more info, check out kmsops.com

What makes Jason’s approach to cocktail making and bar consultancy unique?

Jason's approach is rooted in a deep understanding of both the art and science of cocktail making, combined with a keen insight into current trends and customer preferences, making his consultancy highly effective and personalized.

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