Why We Make Things More Complicated Than They Are
Learn actionable steps to simplify your life and work
We’ve all been there.
Whether it’s a project at work, a personal decision, or just planning your weekend, you find yourself overthinking and adding unnecessary steps.
Suddenly, a simple task feels like climbing a mountain.
But why?
Why do we make things more complicated than they really are?
Let’s dive into the psychology behind this behaviour and, more importantly, figure out how to stop complicating things so we can live simpler, more effective lives.
Why Do We Complicate Things?
Complicating things is a common habit, and it’s driven by various underlying reasons.
Let’s explore the three key factors that lead us down the rabbit hole of complexity:
The Feeling of Power
When things get complicated, fewer people understand them. If you’re one of the few who “gets it,” this can create a sense of power or control.
Think about how certain professions like law, medicine, or even tech use complicated language and processes. It makes the work appear more specialized and difficult, and, let’s be honest, sometimes we enjoy being the only one who knows how it all works.
While this might feel good in the short term, it often leads to bottlenecks and frustration.
By simplifying things, we open the door for better collaboration and less confusion, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
A False Sense of Security
Oddly enough, complexity can sometimes feel safer.
When you add layers of processes, checklists, or reviews, it might feel like you’re covering all bases.
But in reality, complexity just buries potential mistakes deeper. It creates a false sense of security because it’s harder to spot errors or vulnerabilities.
By over-complicating, we trick ourselves into thinking we’re being thorough when we’re really just making it harder to see what’s truly important.
Simplifying means stripping things down to their core and keeping risks in plain sight where they can be managed more effectively.
The “Busy” Trap
We live in a world where being busy is often glorified.
When things are complicated, it’s easy to stay occupied.
Simplicity, however, might give you free time which can feel uncomfortable for people who equate being busy with being productive.
But here’s the kicker:
Just because you’re doing a lot doesn’t mean you’re getting a lot done.
Simplicity frees up mental and physical energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters rather than being caught up in trivial tasks.
The Effects of Over-Complicating Things
How do you know when you’re making things unnecessarily complicated?
There are three tell-tale signs:
Over-Analysis
We’ve all been stuck in analysis paralysis, revisiting the same decision over and over because we’re “not sure.”
Instead of making things clearer, this endless analysis usually just adds more confusion.
If you find yourself hesitating to make decisions or endlessly weighing options, that’s a sign you’re complicating things unnecessarily.
Focusing on the Unimportant
Have you ever been in a meeting that veered into endless discussions about irrelevant details?
This is a classic symptom of complexity.
Instead of focusing on what really matters, we sometimes get caught up in side issues that don’t contribute to the overall goal.
Next time you’re stuck on the small stuff, take a step back and ask yourself: “Is this really important?”
You’ll often find that you’re wasting time on things that don’t need your attention.
Frustration
The ultimate sign that things are unnecessarily complicated?
Frustration.
When people throw up their hands and say, “This is too confusing!”, it’s usually because the problem is more layered than it needs to be.
Frustration is a red flag that simplicity has been lost, and it’s time to reset.
How to Simplify: Three Actionable Steps
So, what can you do to break the cycle of complexity?
Here are three simple strategies to help you get back on track:
Create Clarity About Results
Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve.
When the end goal is vague, it’s easy to complicate the path to getting there.
However, if you’re laser-focused on the result, it becomes easier to identify the most effective steps and filter out distractions.
Ask yourself and your team: “What exactly do we want to accomplish?”
Once that’s clear, the unnecessary steps and discussions become much easier to avoid.
Take Action Without Overthinking
Sometimes, complexity arises when we try to anticipate every possible outcome before we’ve even taken the first step.
While planning is important, trying to account for every future possibility can quickly lead to paralysis by analysis.
The solution?
Take the first step and reevaluate along the way.
This approach mirrors the concept of “rapid prototyping,” where you start with a small version of the final product, test it, and refine it based on feedback.
By moving forward instead of overthinking, you gain clarity through action.
Apply Occam’s Razor
Occam’s Razor is a principle that states that the simplest solution is often the best.
When faced with multiple ways to solve a problem, ask yourself: “Which is the simplest option?”
More often than not, that will be the path you should take.
The beauty of simplicity is that it reduces uncertainty, minimizes the risk of errors, and makes it easier for others to follow along.
Whether you’re tackling a personal project, solving a work problem, or setting a long-term strategy, choosing simplicity will save time, reduce stress, and increase the chances of success.
Conclusion
In a world that often glorifies complexity, it’s crucial to remind ourselves that simplicity is powerful.
The reasons we complicate things whether for a sense of control, security, or just to stay busy, ultimately do more harm than good.
Over-analysis, focusing on unimportant details, and frustration are all signs that things have become more complicated than they need to be.
Now that you know why we tend to make things more complicated, it’s time to challenge yourself:
Where can you simplify your life, your work, or your decision-making process today?
Everyone has complicated lives, but the more you can simplify it and make it work for you, the better it is going to be.
- Lewis Hamilton
Interesting Notes I Read:
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Anfernee
People wear "busy-ness" like a badge of honor. Simplyfying is also deleting items from your life to de-clutter your mental space.