#16 - Why Less is More

By Armaan Athwal

Today's Overview:

• Falling for complexity

• Embracing simplicity: A blueprint for success

• Start simple and stay simple to watch it grow into something more

• Quote of the day

Falling for Complexity

It seems that everyone is attracted to complex and intricate approaches.

Complex approaches always seem like the cool way to tackle a problem. They draw attention and make you sound impressive because the straightforward and simple approach seems dull, and people rarely show interest in it.

Part of the attraction to complexity is the opportunity to show off and boost your ego.

When confronted with a challenge, the complex and intricate solution often acts as an opportunity for showcasing inventiveness and intellect. The intricacy itself might turn into a badge of pride, showcasing your aptitude for navigating through layers of complexities.

Complex approaches often get more recognition and appreciation. They can lead to accolades and professional advancement because it captures interest.

Embracing Simplicity: A Blueprint for Success

According to the philosophical and problem-solving principle known as Occam's Razor, the simplest explanation is typically the right one.

This principle suggests that when faced with competing hypotheses or explanations that make the same predictions, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. Essentially, advocating for simplicity, arguing that unnecessary elements or complications should be trimmed away.

For example, a situation where someone misplaces their keys. Instead of immediately assuming a complex scenario involving theft or a supernatural occurrence, Occam's Razor advises starting with the simplest explanation, the keys were left in a common, easily overlooked location like a coat pocket or on a table. This principle encourages efficient problem-solving by prioritizing straightforward explanations over more complex ones.

Simplicity can lead to significant achievements and advancements.

Simplicity allows for focus, making it easier to understand and address core issues efficiently. Simple solutions are also easier to implement, accessible to a broader audience, and more robust and reliable over time. The scalability and versatility enables simplicity to adapt to different contexts and challenges, driving continuous growth and innovation.

Warren Buffett's success shows how simplicity can lead to significant achievements. Buffett's investment strategy is based on straightforward principles. He focuses on businesses he understands, looks for companies with strong fundamentals, and holds investments for the long term. He is also one of the biggest advocates for compound interest, a concept that can be applied simply and effectively. By avoiding complex financial instruments and speculative ventures that he does not understand, Buffett has consistently generated substantial returns. His simple and disciplined approach to investing has made him one of the world's wealthiest individuals all by sticking to the basics.

Simplicity = Consistency and Consistency = Progress.

Progress means that you can envision and direct yourself toward your goals.

Starting Simple

Imagine wanting to start your own business. You come up with the idea for the business and start flowing with creativity. You dive into logo design, website design, branding elements, equipment/software, legal structures, and much more. However, eventually, you get caught up in the complexities and realize that this approach is not going to work. You either scrap the whole thing or take a major step back.

Sadly, I've found myself doing this way too many times, especially with my game development projects. I begin with an idea, and then I start piling on more and more ideas. "I could do this... and add that... and also put..." It's like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering complexity until it becomes overwhelming. In the end, I often realize that I've strayed too far from the core concept and need to take a step back to refocus.

It's a common issue, but the solution is simple: stay simple.

Create a very bare bone basic game plan and execute it. Stick to your original purpose and intentions without adding unnecessary elements.

Then, add something small to the original and execute again. Repeat this process. By stacking up simple tasks, you gradually build something complex without feeling overwhelmed along the way.

Quote of the Day

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci

Simplicity is valued because it fulfills our needs without adding unnecessary complexity; simplicity in itself is both intricate and efficient.