The Complicated Beauty of Simplicity
I've been thinking lately how often the most simple solutions are cutting through all the bullshit we make up (so we can hide behind its complexity). We draw up intricate marketing strategies, perfect exercise regimens, and complex financial investment plans. What if we happens if we remove the fluff?
"Take a simple idea and take it seriously." —Charlie Munger
- Writing one thoughtful email (newsletter) per week to a handful of people is a simple idea.
- Doing a few sets of pushups each day is a simple idea.
- Saving at least 10% of your income every month is a simple idea.
- Sending Thank You notes to your loved ones or loyal customers is a simple idea.
But we don't take the simple things seriously, do we? Why?
Simplicity is scary. Because it doesn't let us off the hook. All the excuses are stripped away.
Simplicity is deceiving. Because it seems as if simple means easy. It does not.
Simplicity needs courage. Because without courage we can never attain simplicity. Cowardice keeps us ‘double minded'.
Simplicity is achingly beautiful. Because it stands on its own. Nothing to remove or add. Nobody to argue with.
So we conjure up excuses. Our complex problems can't be tamed by such simple minded solutions right?
Could it be that we make our own life more complex than it needs to be because we are afraid that simplicity puts all the weight of responsibility on us?
