Why don't we just make it simple?

This question is commonly asked, rarely answered, and too important to leave hanging in the wind. Somehow, it has come to mean three dangerously different things.

Meaning one is an illusion. In this case, simplicity is introduced to create an artificial sense of alignment. It implies that simplicity is the solution to the problem when it is a desired outcome of a yet undefined solution.

Meaning, two is a switcheroo. In this case, the word simple is substituted for easy, as if simple and easy mean the same thing. It implies that the easy path takes you to simplicity which could not be further from the truth.

Meaning three is the act of managing complexity. In this case, simplicity is defined as the result of simplifying - a rigorous effort to carve order out of chaos. It acknowledges that simplicity can only be achieved by sorting through complexity to remove everything except what is absolutely necessary.

So, why don't we just make it simple? Because getting to simplicity is quite challenging - but totally worthwhile.

The more complex our world gets, the more valuable simplicity becomes. Simplicity illusions and switcheroos are short-sighted and destructive. They eventually trap everyone in a tangled mess. Managing complexity to achieve simplicity is powerful and liberating. It sets everyone up for ongoing success.

The good news is, simplifying is a skill. That means we get better at it with practice.

Next time someone asks, "Why don't we just make it simple?" support the idea by saying, "Great idea - how do we manage the complexity?"