Sometimes the Simplest, Most Direct Approach Is Best

By Dr. Les Wright, Jr

A few weeks ago, I was struggling to open a stubborn jar of pasta sauce. You know the kind—the lid feels like it was sealed by the strongest person alive. I tried everything: tapping it on the counter, even using a rubber grip gadget. Nothing worked. Finally, out of frustration, I resorted to one of my electric jar-opening gadgets. It twisted once, and—pop—the jar opened. I just stood there laughing. After all that effort, the simplest, most direct approach worked.

That’s true in life as well. We tend to overcomplicate things, whether it’s personal growth, relationships, or professional decisions. We add extra steps, strategies, and “hacks” when the best path is often the straightforward one.

Why This Matters

In life, think about communication. How many arguments drag on because we avoid the issue instead of saying what we mean? A simple, honest “that hurt my feelings” can resolve what an hour of sulking never will.

At work, leaders and teams often fall into the trap of overthinking: fancy project-management systems, elaborate presentations, endless meetings—all in the name of progress. But success is sometimes just one clear email, a tough phone call, or a specific goal.

Overcomplicating things drains us. We get stuck in analysis paralysis, waiting for the perfect plan. The truth? Taking the next simple step is often more powerful than perfecting the most complex strategy.

How to Simplify Your Approach

Here are some practical ways to apply this:

1. Ask the “Jar Test” Question

   Next time you’re stuck, ask yourself, “Am I making this harder than it needs to be?” If yes, simplify to the most basic solution.

2. Communicate Clearly and Directly

   Instead of dressing up your words, aim for clarity. Say, “I need help with this project,” not, “Well, if you’re not too busy, maybe you could . . . ”

3. Choose One Next Step

   When facing a big task, don’t try to solve the whole puzzle. Ask, “What’s the very next small thing I can do?” Then do just that.

4. Declutter Your Goals

   Write down your top three priorities for the day or week. Focus there. Everything else is background noise.

5. Practice Saying No

   Complexity often comes from too many yeses. Protect your time and energy. A kind but firm “no, thank you” can be life-changing.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Life throws us challenges, and some of those require complex solutions. But many, like that pasta jar, are simpler than we think. In relationships, honesty is best. At work, clarity saves time. In personal growth, small steps outweigh elaborate plans.

So next time you’re faced with choices, remember: The simplest, most direct approach is often the smartest—and the most effective.