Throw Out K.I.S.S.

Our brain loves shortcuts.

We’re memetic by nature. so we adopt shortcuts, frameworks, and mental models whenever we can.

Sometimes, without giving them much thought, all in the name of saving a few kJ of energy.

We seem to be hardwired for efficiency.

A shortcut to a sustainable water source, a new way of using a tool to build shelter or find alternative forms of food as a source of fuel for our body.

At least, these are the ways that I imagine our ancestors using shortcuts—hardwired for survival.

In the modern world, this hardwiring tends to crossover into many domains. The two that come to my mind are technology and language.

Some odd years later here we are, phones in our hand, computers in front of our faces, and tablets in our lap.

Thesis incoming: Technology has developed a lot more quickly than our brain has been able to adapt to and adopt.

The development of technology has rapidly outpaced our brain’s technology at rate and speed we haven’t quite adapted to fast enough, but that’s for another video.

We layer the mental shortcuts from yesteryear on top of todays technology.

This hardwiring for survival has transmuted to not only technology but language too.

Think about cliches. These are small packages that hold a large dose of information.

A short story in a sentence that seems to transcend time.

Cliches and sayings like:

It is what it is

Everyday above ground is a good day

Abs are made in the kitchen

I’m not like the other guys

Win some, lose some

Two wrongs don’t make a right

and the infamous saying—which has been shortened into an
acronym for extra stickiness—KISS, “Keep It Simple, Stupid”

It’s all about us wanting to get better, more efficient, and create more with less effort. I get that part, that’s O.K.

I’m not saying rid the world of cliches, sayings, and shortcuts. Consider what’s holding us back from being the best version of ourselves. Specically, negative self-talk.

APA Dictionary of Psychology defines self-talk as an internal dialogue in which an individual utters phrases or sentences to him or herself. Where negative self-talk often confirms and reinforces negative beliefs and attitudes, such as fears and false aspirations which have a correspondingly negative effect on the individual’s feelings and reactions.

Essentially, this is the voice in your head that is either constructive or destructive.

Which brings me back to how we got to this topic in the first place. Words carry weight and meaning, consciously and subconsciously. Each word we use is tied to a memory, a thought or a feeling we’ve experienced whether we like it or not. So when we adopt phrases and sayings it's imperative to do so mindfully.

In fact, KISS is a fantastic acronym however I would encourage a small tweak.

From Keep It Simple Stupid to
Keep It Stupid Simple

A small, yet simple reminder for simplicity.

For a person who overthinks nearly everything, this reminder is repeated, and dare I say echoed, often.

So not only simplicity in the work that you do and deliver, but in your lifestyle as well.

Keeping form and function top of mind, and keeping complexity at bay, to allow room for focusing on your actions, more peace and clarity, and more time for the things you love.

So, the next time you're looking for a shortcut in the middle of project double down on simplicity, and

Remember KISS, keep it stupid simple.

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