"I like to put as little on the canvas as possible. It leaves room for imagination." - Forgot who said this, but I know it was a painter.
Simplicity = Clarity = Confidence = Creativity (S.C.C.C)
I came up with this framework about eight years ago. For some reason, I've never shared it with anyone. For a person who's always thinking about new ideas, this way of thinking routinely saves my ass from going down the crack-laced rabbit hole of distraction.
If you are an over-thinker like myself, write these four words on a sticky pad and put it on your monitor or wherever you tend to glance while you work (it's a game-changer for athletes as well).
I'll briefly explain and let you take it from there.
Simplicity:
Simplicity is, in my opinion, the most powerful thing in the world. Whenever I use a painfully simple tool (software, hardware, a method, etc.), all anxiety goes away. My mind goes clear, and I'm able to focus on achieving what I set out to do. It sets the stage for achievement.
Clarity:
Clarity is only achieved (at least for me) when you're in a simple setting. Clarity lets you see more angles/options on the path to whatever you are trying to achieve. If you don't start with simplicity, you'll never gain clarity.
Confidence:
I think of confidence as when you know something to be accurate, or you feel damn good about your answer to the question at hand. You might not feel 100% certain about your answer, but you feel good enough to act on it. Your confidence will skyrocket when your mind is clear and free from distraction. When you can see, you are more inclined to trust your gut.
Creativity:
Creativity is the goal. In any endeavor, the winner is/was more creative than those who lost. Once you have set the stage with simplicity, can see all angles with clarity, have garnered the confidence to act - then you have a shot at being creative.
The challenge with creativity, however, is it requires courage. Anything truly creative has likely never been done before. And, to take a risk on creativity (especially when something like money is involved), you need to believe there's a shot it will work. If the former three are achieved, then you'll better see the odds of success if you were to choose the creative path.
Aka: higher (perceived) risk, higher reward. You could also view it as a better way to assess risk.
When things are simple, your mind is clear. When you have clarity, you can obtain confidence. When you've gained confidence, you dare to try something new - the ability to be creative.
The antithesis of this is obviously complexity. When you're in a complex environment, it's more difficult to discern one thing from another. And, perhaps, you're not as confident in what you perceive something to be. This is why when I have a task that requires focus, I simplify my surroundings (leave the house, turn off the phone, and, if possible, turn off wifi). Then I try and simplify the task, or, at least, the single objective I aim to achieve.
As you can see, I totally made this up. But I like it. And I actually believe it. Therefore, I have the confidence to share it with you.
So, remember: Simplicity = Clarity = Confidence = Creativity
