Right In Front

THE SIMPLE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE # 051

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about how often the answer is already right in front of us, yet we miss it. As business owners, we tend to add layers, angles, and complexity in an attempt to prove mastery or find the “better” way. The truth is, business is simple, it’s just not easy.

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TOM'S THOUGHTS:

One of the most common blinders I see, and still catch myself wearing, is the belief that there must be more. More strategies, more offers, more directions, more ideas. We convince ourselves that if we’re not juggling multiple approaches, we’re somehow limiting our potential. In reality, that mindset often creates confusion instead of clarity.

Adam and I talk about this a lot because we’ve lived it. From the very beginning, our work has revolved around the same core program. The name has evolved. The delivery has improved. The approach has been refined. But the foundation has always been simple. What made it better was not reinventing it, it was iterating on what was already working and optimizing what was right in front of us.

We recently worked with a client who is highly motivated, disciplined, and driven by challenge. Those are incredible traits. But in his constant pursuit of the next challenge, he was unintentionally bypassing the opportunity sitting directly in front of him. Sometimes, when we are always looking for the harder path, we overlook the right one.

Challenge does make work meaningful, but not every meaningful step has to be hard. When we default to complexity, we often miss the simplest move that would create momentum right now.

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TOM'S LESSON:

If you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly searching for the next idea, these lessons can help bring you back to what actually matters. They are simple reminders to slow down, be present, and recognize what is already available to you.

1. Presence reveals clarity.

When you are fully present, there is no past to regret and no future to worry about. There is only what is available right now. The more present you are, the harder it becomes to miss what is directly in front of you.

2. Optimization beats reinvention.

Before creating something new, ask yourself if you have fully optimized what already exists. Growth usually comes from improving the thing you are already doing, not abandoning it for something shinier.

3. Complexity is often disguised avoidance.

Adding layers, ideas, or strategies can feel productive. Sometimes it is just a way to avoid committing fully to one clear path. Simplicity requires responsibility, and responsibility can feel uncomfortable.

4. The obvious answer is often the correct one.

We tend to dismiss simple solutions because they do not feel impressive enough. The most effective moves in business are often the most obvious ones, when we are willing to see them.

5. Effort does not have to equal struggle.

Meaningful work requires effort, not constant friction. If everything feels unnecessarily hard, it may be worth asking whether you are stepping over an easier, more aligned opportunity.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

The present moment is the only place where action can happen. Before you complicate, expand, or chase the next idea, pause and look at what is already in front of you. There is a good chance the next right move is not hidden, it is waiting for your attention.

-Tom

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