Collect simple solutions

There is a simple solution to every complicated problem. A simple explanation to a complex issue. A simple path to a complicated destination.

But by tomorrow, the problem still exists. No one understands the issue. Everyone still asks “are we almost there yet?”.

Complicated problems are complicated for a reason. The simple solution may not solve it, but it may get us closer to understanding why the problem still exists. If we let it.

Simple may cut it eventually, but not until we fully understand why the problem is complicated, what and who the problem enables, why it still exists and what we need to do to make the problem thrive.

You can now start collecting simple solutions. Each solution takes us a layer deeper. You now know why the issue is still here. You know what makes it tick. And you know that your first simple solution didn’t solve it.

So you build an arsenal of simple solutions. You’ll be tempted to find a magic bullet. Don’t. It’s often an illusion. The problem won’t be here if there was a magic bullet.

In the end, a few simple solutions will save the day. It may not be the first ones. Maybe solutions 2, 6 and 11 working together.