Sometimes we over complicate things needlessly. In work, in life, in love. In reality, simplicity is beauty, and far more memorable. More likely than not, you’ll be remembered more for that hilarious one liner, exquisitely crafted tagline, or powerfully succinct one pager, than for that 30 page report. Go against the grain and stand out powerfully by being a simplifier in a sea of over-complicators.

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.” – Steve Jobs. Sometimes simple takes longer (notably in engineering), but not always. Radical simplification can actually make life a lot more efficient.

The art of simplification also ties in with the concept of essentialism, of which I’m a huge fan, inspired in part by Greg McKeown’s book “Essentialism”. Essentialism is all about “the disciplined pursuit of less”, something I’ve been striving for since 2012. In McKeown’s words, “the way of the Essentialist involves doing less, but better, so you can make the highest possible contribution. Essentialism isn’t one more thing; it’s a different way of doing everything. It is a discipline you apply constantly, effortlessly. Essentialism is a mindset; a way of life.

This brochure stand (which I passed walking near Senate House in London) is a great example of the effects of applying an essentialist mindset to reach the simplest possible outcome. And it works right? How many times do you walk by a brochure stand and actually want to pick a brochure up? Would you be more likely to pick one up from here?

Be A Simplifier

One of the things I help my clients achieve is intense clarity and the ability to radically simplify their decision making processes for more happiness, impact and freedom in all areas of their life and business. Book a free call with me at http://calendly.com/jsecrooks/consult.