A Letter from Chris Suarez

DO THE WORK

We are going to keep it simple today. Why?

Because we have a tendency to over-value complexity and under-value simplicity.

So just go and do the work. The work is simple. Do it. 

At times we look for very complicated, complex, multi-step solutions to a very simple problem. The only real solution we need is work. We need to be willing to do the work. We need to stop searching and start doing.

We lean toward the complex for a few reasons. First, we over-value complexity. We believe a more complicated solution is worth more. We accept that the more complex a solution is, the more likely it is to solve the problem. In fact, when handed a simple solution, we often reject it or immediately begin to add complexity to it. We get creative and additive. After all, how could something so simple solve a problem we have been struggling with for so long?

Second, if we select a complex solution, it will lead to a win-win for our ego. How so?  If we execute a complex solution, it makes us look and feel intelligent. If we are unable to execute the complex solution, we have a way out. The reason we didn’t do the work or end up successful is based on the complexity of the solution. The complexity itself becomes a fall back excuse. Choosing difficult is actually a way out for ourselves and our egos.  

In contrast, if the solution is too easy, we don’t have a way out of just doing it. If we fail to execute the simple, we must acknowledge it was laziness or lack of commitment 

Regardless of what we might be trying to do, when we ask others for advice, we can find ourselves consciously or subconsciously looking for deep, multi-step, complicated solutions. After all, if it were a simple solution they were using, then why wouldn’t we have figured that out on our own?

We convince ourselves that we need a 36 step process, managed by three pieces of software, and an MBA holding ops professional. Stop hiding behind complexity.

Instead, choose to do the work. Choose to find simple solutions. Choose not to over-complicate. Ask yourself honestly where in your business or life you may allow complexity for the purpose of giving yourself a way out - an excuse. There is brilliance in simplicity. And there is honor in just doing the work.  

Chris