#140: Simplification vs Optimization
In his book "How To Fail At Everything And Still Win Big," Adam Scott, the creator of Dilbert comics, distinguishes people into two categories: simplifiers and optimizers.
Simplifiers choose the easiest way to accomplish a task, even if some extra effort might have produced a better outcome. In contrast, optimizers search for the very best solution, even if the added complexity increases the chances of unexpected problems.
Adam describes himself as a simplifier, while he thinks his wife is a world-class optimizer. To illustrate his point, he tells a story of how his wife added ten tasks to be done on the way to a simple dinner at a nearby restaurant followed by a movie. They end up being late for dinner and missing the movie (although this is an exaggeration to make the point).
I must admit I have been an optimizer all my life, finishing ten tasks before leaving the house for a social event, which makes us late every time and annoys my husband.
However, optimizing can be exhausting and stress-inducing. On the other hand, simplification frees up time and energy, making everything else a little bit easier.
Simplification is generally the strategy of people who view the world in terms of systems. Simple systems are usually better because complicated systems have more opportunities for failure. Human nature is such that we are good at following simple systems and not so good at following complicated systems. The most optimized diet plan or fitness plan will also be the most complicated. But a few people have enough willpower in reserve to follow complicated plans.
Simplification is often the difference between doing something you know you should do and keep putting it off. You don’t mind brushing your teeth because it is simple. But you keep putting off flossing them because it is tedious. That’s why dentists often suggest flossing one tooth. That sounds simple and you don’t mind starting. But of course when you start you end up doing all.
After reading Adam Scott's book I have started simplifying other things in my life. I have shrunk my daily "To Do" list to only two items a day. My whole focus now is to do them. Everything else can wait. If they get done, fine. Otherwise, they will get done eventually. Someday. And even if they don't, no big deal.
In my quest to manage my weight, I have tried several diets and Weight Watcher plans. But I didn’t stick with any. They were too complicated. But since I started Intermittent Fasting sticking it is no problem. I have my dinner before eight pm and breakfast at mid-day. There is no need to count calories or watch what I eat. Over time, my body has gotten used to tolerating hunger, and I am not putting everything tempting I see into my mouth.
As far as writing is concerned, I have limited myself to writing 1000 words a day. That too in four 15-minute intervals. And I time myself. As soon as they are done, I am free to do whatever I want to do.
The same goes for sketching. I intentionally don’t include any background in Ms. Jolly’s cartoons. It is a huge timesaver, and I can create them in under one hour. I don’t think people expect much from my cartoons other than it brings a bit of lightness to my message.
My newsletter too has simplified over the years. I started with writing industry news, training module, homework, and whatnot. But I have learned what people like the most is the main story. And that is the bit I enjoy writing most. So most of the newsletter issues are vanilla versions. Now and then, if I have time, I add a bit of sprinkles to it in the form of a book or other newsletter recommendations.
I have simplified my exercise routine as well. Gym class at seven thirty am and walking at four pm five days a week. There are no ifs, buts, or thinking involved.
If the cost of failure is high, simple tasks are the best because they are easier to manage and control. Once you have success, optimizing begins to have more value. I have a simple strategy to write books - I write the first draft in ten days. If the idea is no good, I will know within a few days. I then drop it and move on to the next one.
If your day is full of ‘things to do,’ and you are stressed all the time, simplification might be just what you need.
You may not have the option of choosing simplicity, especially if you have a thousand things to complete in a day. But it’s a good idea to have an overarching plan to move towards simple systems as opportunities allow.
You can chip away at the complexity of your life over time. Simplicity is a worthy long-term goal. That’s how you will free your personal energy so you can concentrate it where you need it.
So, you must have gathered the book recommendation for the week is: “How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big.” I read it while on the cruise and laughed my head off at times. Besides “simplification and optimization,” it has several other useful tips. I wrote an article about what I got from the book, which you can read here.
That’s all from me this week.
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Nice read. Practical advice. Best wishes!