In the crosshairs of life’s complexities, simplicity often hits the bullseye.
We’re drawn to the intricate, the sophisticated, the cutting-edge. Yet time and again, it’s the basics that triumph. Think of the tech startup that burns through millions chasing the next big thing, while a rival captures the market with a streamlined app that just works.
Relationships crumble under the weight of grand expectations, while lasting love is built on a foundation of small, daily, consistent kindnesses. The gym rat chasing the perfect physique through an byzantine workout routine is much quicker to burnout and quit compared with the neighbor who simply walks every day and eats real food.
Our world glorifies complexity. We mistake it for competence, for depth. But true mastery often lies in stripping away the unnecessary, in finding the essence of what matters. Seriously, think about any great software you love. What does it do? It makes completing the thing you want to do super easy. Shout out to Medium; I come to this platform to write because I find the interface super easy to use.
This same idea applies to any field of human endeavor. The best writers don’t obscure their message with needless words; they distill ideas to their purest form. Top chefs can create miracles with just a handful of ingredients. The most impactful leaders don’t hide behind jargon; they communicate with clarity and purpose.
Simplicity isn’t simplemindedness. It’s not laziness or a lack of ambition. It’s the hard-won wisdom of knowing what truly counts and having the courage to pursue it relentlessly.
In a world drowning in noise, the ability to simplify is a superpower. It’s about seeing through the fog of options and zeroing in on what works. It’s about having the confidence to say “no” to distractions and “yes” to what moves the needle.
So the next time you’re tempted to overcomplicate, pause. Ask yourself: What’s the simplest way to get this done? What’s the core of what I’m trying to achieve?
You might find that the path to excellence isn’t always about adding more. Sometimes, it’s about taking away until only the essential remains.
8/1/24
Conor Jay Chepenik
