You must have heard Simple is better. But why Simple is better? In this note, we will see some reasons and examples.
Table of Contents
Simple is better – few definitions
Let me start with a famous quote by Confucius.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Life is and must be simple. It is our mind and its social programming, done over the years, that make it difficult. Before we understand what is simple, we must be aware of some anti-patterns.
Simple is not simple
Let’s not further confuse already confused minds. Let me clearly mention in advance.
Simple is not simple.
Simple doesn’t mean easy.
By simple, I do not mean keeping your job easy. By simple, I mean simple solution of complex problem and believe me, this is not always simple. This is explained very well by Steve Jobs
That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.
So remember, by simple, I doesn’t mean easy escape route.
What simple mean?
By simple, I mean Easy to understand and Easy to follow. Simplicity have:
- Clarity: Simplicity means being clear and easy to understand. In communication, a simple message is direct and leaves no room for confusion.
- Efficiency: In design and engineering, simplicity refers to solutions that are efficient and devoid of unnecessary complexity, making systems more reliable and easier to maintain.
- Elegance: In art and aesthetics, simplicity is often linked with elegance and beauty. A simple design can be more visually appealing and impactful.
- Ease of Use: In technology and user experience, simplicity means creating products that are intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Minimalism: In lifestyle, simplicity aligns with minimalism, focusing on what is essential and eliminating excess, leading to a more fulfilling and less cluttered life.
All of above are important but since we are more interested in becoming Life PowerUser, minimalism is more useful for us.
It means, we must focus on minimalism, among others.
Focus is a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.
– The One Thing – John Carmack
Why Simple is better – few reasons
There are many reasons, why simple is better. For example:
- Reduces Stress: Simplicity helps in reducing stress by eliminating unnecessary complications and focusing on what truly matters. This makes our live more peaceful and manageable.
- Enhances Productivity: By simplifying tasks and processes, you can enhance productivity. Fewer distractions and a clear focus allow for more efficient and effective work.
- Improves Understanding: Simple concepts and designs are easier to understand and communicate. This clarity can lead to better decision-making and stronger connections with others.
From PowerUser point of view, one of the biggest reasons why we procrastinate or don’t feel like doing the work is, we are not clear what or how to do things.
Simplicity removes those blockers.
Example of Simple is better
Let’s see some examples of why simple is better.
Habits
Simple routines are easier to turn into habits. For instance, going to the gym every morning before work on specific days like Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday is more straightforward than planning workout days each week based on a changing schedule. Simplicity makes it easier to remember and stick to.
This point related to making a system or habits, which we will see in details in coming articles of PowerUser series.
Design
In web design, a clean and simple layout is often more effective than a cluttered one. A minimalist design with clear navigation helps users find what they need quickly, improving their overall experience.
Communication
When explaining a concept, using simple language and clear examples can be more effective than using technical jargon. This approach ensures that your audience understands the message without confusion.
If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.
– Albert Einstein
Have you properly understood the problem and the solution yourself?
Time management
Using a simple to-do list can be more effective than complex project management tools. By listing tasks in order of priority, you can focus on completing them one by one, reducing overwhelm and increasing productivity.
I no mean suggest that complex project management tools like Jira, or Microsoft Project are useless. They have their use at appropriate places. Only point is, do not unnecessarily apply complex tool to every problem. Use complex tools, only when they are really needed.
Cooking
Simple recipes with a few ingredients can be just as delicious as complex ones. For example, a classic pasta dish with olive oil, garlic, and fresh tomatoes can be both easy to prepare and flavorful, making cooking less daunting.
Conclusion
Always look for simple solutions.
You need not to prove yourself to anyone by using complex solutions. Also remember, finding a simple solution is much more difficult than finding a complex solution.
This note is part of my overall Life PowerUser series. If this article was helpful to you, you may want to check the whole series; a step towards making your whole life simple.