I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of simplicity, a concept that I’ve tried to incorporate into both my personal and professional life.

This philosophy was drilled into me during my early career days in Silicon Valley, where I was fortunate enough to cross paths with some of the great minds of our time—Steve Jobs being one of them.

I remember attending a tech conference where Jobs was the keynote speaker. His message was clear and powerful: “Simple can be harder than complex.” It was a statement that seemed counterintuitive at first, especially when we were all immersed in a world obsessed with complexity and innovation.

But as I absorbed his words, I realized that simplicity wasn’t about dumbing things down—it was about streamlining and refining until only the essential remained.

Jobs’ philosophy didn’t just apply to technology; it extended to all aspects of life, including communication.

With English being the global business language, I’ve discovered that simplicity is key to transmitting clear messages. I’ve seen people get lost in translation due to unnecessary jargon or convoluted sentence structures.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the power of simplicity even more. It’s played a significant role in my professional success, helping me build strong networks and foster effective communication across different cultures and languages.

But let’s get real here. Embracing simplicity isn’t always easy—it’s a constant process of refinement and self-evaluation. And now that I’m back home after years of navigating cultural complexities overseas, I find myself grappling with simplifying my life once again.

As Jobs said, “Simple can be harder than complex.” But as I’m about to share with you, it’s this beautiful challenge of simplicity that holds the secret to long-term success.

Embracing simplicity in an era of complexity

When I first stepped into the corporate world, I was overwhelmed by the complexity. Everything seemed tangled in a web of jargon, procedures, and protocols. It felt like I needed a decoder ring just to get through a standard business meeting.

Then I remembered Jobs’ mantra: “Simple can be harder than complex.” This wasn’t just about elegant design or user-friendly software—it was a mindset that could be applied anywhere, even in communication.

So, I started to simplify my language. Instead of falling back on industry jargon, I used plain English. Instead of lengthy emails, I began sending brief and direct messages. And instead of beating around the bush during meetings, I got straight to the point.

The impact was immediate. My colleagues appreciated the clarity of my communication. My ideas were better understood and our team’s productivity increased. Simplicity wasn’t just making my life easier—it was propelling my career forward.

But embracing simplicity wasn’t always easy. It required constant self-evaluation and refinement. It meant letting go of the ego that often comes with using complex language.

And it often meant going against the grain in an environment where complexity was considered a sign of sophistication.

The myth of complexity as sophistication

One of the biggest myths I encountered in my professional journey was the idea that complexity equals sophistication.

That using big words and long sentences somehow made you more intelligent or credible. This belief seemed to be deeply ingrained in the corporate culture.

But here’s what I learned: complexity often leads to confusion. It can create unnecessary barriers and miscommunication. In my experience, the most successful people were those who could take a complex idea and distill it into something simple and understandable.

I saw this firsthand during my interactions with top executives and industry leaders. They didn’t use complicated jargon or roundabout explanations. They communicated their ideas simply and directly.

This was a revelation for me. If these successful people valued simplicity over complexity, why was the rest of the corporate world so hung up on making things complicated?

The answer, I believe, lies in our perception of intelligence and sophistication. We often equate complexity with depth and knowledge. But simplicity requires a deep understanding of the subject matter—it takes skill to make complex ideas easy to understand.

Applying the principle of simplicity

So, how did I go about applying the principle of simplicity in my professional life? It began with a shift in mindset.

I started by simplifying my language. Instead of trying to impress with jargon and complex sentences, I focused on clarity and directness.

This approach was initially met with surprise—some even mistook it for naivety. But as my ideas began to be understood more clearly, the value of this approach became evident.

Next, I simplified my work processes. I started questioning the necessity of every meeting, every report, every procedure. Was it adding value? Or was it just creating complexity? Through this exercise, I was able to eliminate a lot of unnecessary clutter from my workday.

Finally, I simplified my interactions with others. I found that being genuine and straightforward built stronger relationships than trying to project an image of sophistication.

The result? Better productivity, stronger relationships, and a less stressful work environment.

If you’re finding yourself trapped in a cycle of complexity, I urge you to consider simplicity. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the rewards are worth it. Remember—simple can indeed be harder than complex, but it’s in that simplicity that you’ll find your success.

A broader perspective: Embracing simplicity beyond the workplace

The principle of simplicity didn’t just revolutionize my professional life; it had a profound impact on how I navigated life as a whole. Here’s how I applied the principles I shared earlier to the broader aspects of my life:

First, I took responsibility for the complexity in my life. Even when it wasn’t my fault, I realized that I had the power to simplify things. This mindset shift was empowering and made me feel more in control.

Next, I started questioning societal norms and expectations. I realized that a lot of our complexities come from trying to live up to external standards. So, I decided to live life on my own terms. This meant simplifying my lifestyle and focusing on what truly mattered to me.

• Challenge societal myths and expectations.
• Embrace simplicity in language and interactions.
• Question the necessity of every process and procedure.
• Take responsibility for your situation.
• Live life on your own terms.

Doing this wasn’t easy. It required courage and resilience. But the rewards were worth it. Today, I live a simpler, more authentic life, guided by my own values and aspirations.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by complexity, whether in your professional or personal life, I encourage you to consider the power of simplicity. And remember—you’re not alone in this journey. There are resources available that can provide guidance and support.

Remember, embracing simplicity is a journey, not a destination. And it’s a journey well worth embarking on.