Simple And Easy
I am constantly entertaining the tension between two words: simple and easy. At face value, the two words would appear similar. Synonyms.
But they are not.
As we grow in business and life, these words begin to carry more impact. Easy could mean simple. But simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy.
In actuality, these words couldn’t be more different. In fact, they could be antonyms.
A True Story
Once upon a time, there was a valiant soldier named Naaman. He was the commander of an army. Life was seemingly good for Naaman, but he had leprosy. Naaman’s wife had a young captive girl who knew of a man named Elisha that could cure leprosy. So, off Naaman went with chariots and horses and gifts. Long story short, Naaman ended up on the doorstep of Elisha.
What was Naaman expecting when he arrived?
But first, what did Naaman get? Elisha never came out to meet Naaman. Elisha sent a messenger to tell Naaman to go wash in the Jordan river seven times. No personal greeting. No special prayer or incantation. No movement or touch. Just a simple message. A rudimentary and ordinary task: to go wash himself in a not-so-desirable river. Seven times.
Here’s what Naaman had in mind.
And so, “… Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’ So he turned and went off in a rage.” – 2 Kings 5:11-12
The directive was simple. But it wasn’t easy for Naaman. You can read the whole story in 2 Kings 5. But so I don’t leave you hanging, Naaman did eventually do the simple, prescribed task. And, thank God, he was actually healed.
The Difference
One of Einstein’s greatest achievements was the formula E = MC2. A simple formula. But none too easy getting there.
Simple isn’t easy because simple ….
- might be hard work.
- might be a long journey or take a long time.
- might not be desirable. It may even be detestable. Like the simple solution given to Naaman.
So don’t confuse the two.
The Take-Home Message
A lot of times, in life and business, progress is hampered. It is hampered because simple things are avoided. And, often times, the simple things aren’t for lack of knowledge. It is because they aren’t easy.
Be encouraged to do the simple things. Even if they are not so easy.
Contact us! We would love to be of encouragement.
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About the Author:
Ken Moll is the Principal and Founder of Blue Elevator®. With professional experience spanning four decades, Ken has a breadth of foundational business knowledge rarely found – making him part of an elite class of professionals. Ken's passion is helping clients of Blue Elevator® get their “business to the next level™.”