Are simple things supposed to be hard?

We've established that simple and easy don't mean the same thing. So, what do they mean? How are they different? And why does it matter?

Simple means the absence of complexity. It strips away the unnecessary. It highlights the essential. It allows you to recognize, understand, and respond efficiently and skillfully. Simple clarifies the cause and effect of how something works or how to make something happen.

Easy means the absence of struggle. The barriers are insignificant. The effort necessary is minimal. The task is not demanding because the difficulty is low, and there is little friction.

Easy means not difficult. Simple means not complex. That's the difference.

It doesn't have to be complex to be difficult. For example, eating healthy, being patient, and having certain conversations. Many people find these difficult, though they are simple.

It doesn't have to be difficult to be complex. For example, feeling emotions, typing on a keyboard, or throwing a ball accurately to a target. Many people find these easy, though they are complex.

Simple refers to the complexity of something. Easy refers to its difficulty. It may not be complex, but it may still be difficult. It may not be difficult, but it may still be complex.

Simple things are the most difficult to accept and do because they shatter your excuses. But that's why you build your life on simplicity.

Simplicity steals excuses. It forces us to act on what is true, even when it's difficult—especially when it's difficult.

We don’t expect excellence or fulfillment to come easy anyway.

Brick by brick. Do the work.