Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated

Isn’t it a little bit stupid? It seems that we have become doubtful about anything that isn’t difficult in life.

Confucius once said: “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

The world grows only more complex. Complexity has taken over how we attempt to get things done. It looks like we can’t seem to do anything simply anymore. Making a decision, creating a plan, holding a meeting—all of these now involve complex and time-consuming processes. 

A once-simple process, in the present time, has become a “technique” and when possible must be done ‘SMART’. We debate instead of using dialogue.We become exhausted by the difficulty of these practices and frustrated by the lack of productive outcomes and quality. 

As soon as a simple process becomes a technique, it grows only more complex and difficult. Most of the time weakening creativity and inspiration. It never becomes simpler. 

We forget that we already know how to do simple things like thinking, planning and holding a conversation. Instead, we become meek students of difficult methods.

In the presence of so many specialized techniques for doing simple things, we’ve become suspicious of anything that looks easy. Often it’s wasting our time. If something’s so simple, why have we invested so much time and money in learning a complicated method? 
Simplicity has powerful partners: ‘common sense’, ‘creativity’ and engagement between people. 

People often laugh when they finally realize there’s a simple, common sense solution to a so called problem. It’s a laugh of relief—and of recognition. 

Real change begins with the simple act of people connecting. Talking to one another about what they care about. Conversations in which we express our fears and dreams can give birth to powerful actions that change lives and restore hope for the future.

It’s all very simple.

Frans Captijn
Host / Catalyst / Talenteer at Captijn Insight

Captijn Insight: “Catalyst in your process to new sustainable flow. Whether you are an individual, couple, team or an organization.” 

www.captijninsight.com

captijninsight@gmail.com