Tony Robbins Quote on Complexity and How It’s The Enemy of Execution

“Complexity is enemy of execution.”

Tony Robbins

Beyond the Quote (Day 380)

I have two bamboo plants. One in my living room and one in my kitchen. The one in my living room is dying. The one in my kitchen is thriving. Same bamboo. Same house. Same caregiver. Same fondness for both. The only difference is their location.

The bamboo in my kitchen thrives because I can fill it up with water right as I’m washing dishes—it’s simple and convenient. The bamboo in my living room is dying because I don’t notice it’s low on water until after I’ve sat down to watch TV and relax—getting back up to water it is inconvenient and requires more steps.

Now, before you shame me or call me lazy, let’s look at the reality of what’s happening. While, yes, it really wouldn’t require much from me to get into the habit of watering the bamboo in my living room, what’s worth pointing out is that I would have to go against a naturally occurring resistance to make it happen. And if there’s an easier (and just as effective) alternative, why not align with that path of less resistance instead?

Here’s the thing, resistance is real. And if you don’t think an extra step or two is a big deal when it comes to completing workouts, eating healthy, or finishing any of your prioritized tasks—think again. One extra step became the difference between life and death for my bamboo. Imagine what five extra unnecessary steps might mean for the tasks that you’re trying to habitualize in your life.

For any and all prioritized daily tasks, ask yourself the following questions: How can I make this easier? Simpler? More convenient? Think about how you might eliminate extra steps; how you might change a task to be done in a better location; how you might follow a path with less resistance. Even one less step can ultimately be the difference between long-term success and failure. Don’t resist; align.

In a Tweet:

I have 2 bamboo plants.

One in my kitchen, which is thriving, and one in my living room, which is dying.

The difference? Watering the one in the kitchen is more convenient.

The lesson? Don’t try to do things in the living room that are better done in the kitchen.

— Matthew Hogan (@MattHogan123) January 15, 2021

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