So often we receive advice that success is a result of hard work. Is this a good approach to people struggling to succeed? The phrase "hard work" is a turn-off. Rather, it's less threatening to think of following a process. For instance, consider the task of making something simple. Is it hard work or a process?
Do you recall a coach telling you that working hard was the only way to win? Other coaches are more effective saying, "Do it this way and you'll be successful." It's much like teaching a dog a new trick. We must forego the lecture on hard work, the process begins with the first step, having an awareness of being smarter than the dog.
If having enough perseverance to go through the steps of a process is hard work, you may consider it so. Otherwise, when you become thoroughly familiar with many processes for solving problems, you simply go through the most appropriate process.
Attaining simplicity is a problem solved by a process. Especially, when heeding the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) formula. I'm never sure who Stupid is. As long as I think it's me and I follow a process, results are better.
Philosopher Descartes reasoned that he did not exist. Imagine the despair and the thought processes he endured before he formulated his simple solution, "Cogito Ergo Sum - I think, therefore, I am."
The same Thomas Alva Edison who said, "Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration," also, said, "Results! Why, man, I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work." And again, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." He had the curiosity and energy to go through the processes.
Communicating is one activity demanding simplicity. Successful writers and speakers reveal the many iterations and processes they have used to achieve simplicity in their works. Mark Twain wrote, "If I would have had more time, I would have written a shorter letter." Imagine the many processes he followed to form his many one-liners.
Consider the times you created or improved a storage, transportation, repair or construction project. Did you begin or continue with complex schemes before arriving at a simple solution? You were simply following a process.
Marketing strategies and their implementation are overflowing with samples where many processes must be exercised before a successful campaign emerges. There are so many ramifications to most marketing decisions.
At one time my computer systems guru would depart leaving me with a head feeling as if a vice had been tightened across my forehead. Worse, I was left with almost incomprehensible notes that had reference lines to topics all over the page resulting from numerous phrases such as, "On the other hand you could do..." and "Now if you want to spend a few more dollars, you could..." My complaints to his father revealed a process. Start your notes in the middle of a page with spaces for revisions and afterthoughts. That breakthrough led to may other process steps. Now, we have simpler discussions that leave me with little or no tension discomfort and simpler solutions.
Some simplifying processes we recommend to our clients are:
You're correct to ask, "With all this advice, Gerry, why isn't this article simpler?" My only response is, "You should have seen this after my first draft."
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