Simplify Stupid

I always chuckle at the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) principle as a little naïve. Tasks are easy to over complicate or over think. You can really look stupid when the simple way is obvious to a bystander.

Keeping it simple in the world of systems, strategies or describing the complex is a completely different story. The amount of effort to simplify is much higher than the complicated way.  

Simplifying is a heroic effort with stacks of iterations and as it turns out, requires a high level of intelligence. Entrepreneurs appreciate what it takes to get there. They see the elegance and dollar signs like no other.

The next time someone has the curse of knowledge and you know you won’t understand half of what they are about to tell you, test their smarts by saying this:

“Before you begin…explain it to me like I’m a 4th grader.”

If they get frustrated, consider it a red flag.

Don’t let laziness, impatience or ignorance stand in the way of simplicity.