Keep It Simple Stupid is something EVERYONE needs in their toolbelt but unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know what it means. Keeping things simple is how you get things DONE. Complicating things brings up issues and scenarios that weren’t a part of the original equation. I’m not perfect, I have many instances where I didn’t keep it simple… and fucked up. So I’m writing this post for you… so you don’t do the same.
Why is K.I.S.S important?
When looking for a solution to anything, complicating things makes getting to that solution that much harder, and it makes it take… that much LONGER. Keeping things simple keeps it easy for everyone involved. If you’re looking to get from point A to point B, adding in unnecessary details only slows you down from moving from point A to point B. It’s like being on a road trip . Every time you take an exit and stop and detour off of the original path outside of getting gas and food, you add time to your original ETA. A 2hr trip can easily turn into 6hrs if you get carried away. Now apply that to your goals and daily tasks. What is the simplest way I can get this done? Once you answer that question for yourself, everything outside of that is just noise.
HOW TO KEEP IT SIMPLE
How to simplify your life across the board; the definition of KISS.. benefits of keeping everything simple.. finances, health, relationships, lifestyle etc.
Step one would be STOP OVERTHINKING. Overthinking will have you on Step 52 of Chapter 99 of a book you’re not even supposed to be reading. Stop doing that. Work with what you got (exactly what’s in front of you) until proven otherwise. Oftentimes we overthink ourselves out of situations. Overthinking is the opposite of K.I.S.S.
Define Your Objectives: Start by clearly defining the goal or problem you're addressing. Understand exactly what needs to be achieved without overcomplicating it. Point A to Point B in 100 words or less.
Remove Unnecessary Steps: Identify and eliminate any actions, processes, or details that don't directly contribute to the objective. Ask yourself if each and every step is truly necessary.
Prioritize: Prioritize the most important tasks or features. Avoid adding extra layers or features that aren't essential to the solution.
Always Use Clear Communication: Whether it's in design, writing, or presentations, aim for clarity. Again, 100 words or less. Don’t use big words, use words that a 5th grader can understand. The task at hand must be easily described and explained.
Review and Simplify: After implementing a solution, review and refine it. Simplifying doesn’t always happen on the first try, so revisit your work with the goal of reducing complexity. Always look for the simplest solution. Oftentimes you don’t have to go past that because that is all you need for the task at hand. Keep It Simple Stupid is all about making things straightforward and easy to understand/execute. If you want someone to do something for you, KEEP IT SIMPLE. This will make the task at hand easier for them to complete. Cut away the unnecessary and focus on the necessities in life.
Streamline Tools and Resources: Choose the simplest tools and methods that will get the job done efficiently. Avoid overloading with unnecessary technologies or resources.
By sticking to these guidelines, you make processes more efficient and easier to understand, saving time and resources… STACK ON.
