Simple Is Good.

I won’t lie, this week’s big idea idea is 100% based on the midwit meme.

You’ve probably seen it:

Thank you George Mack for the example ^

I’m guilty too.

I’ve spent the last month mapping out the next project I’ll be working on. I got decently far along, but realized I lost the plot.

While I know over the next 1-5 years I’ll work on multiple projects, I want the next one I launch to be a foundational piece. Something that:

• I enjoy working on

• Allows me to develop valuable skills

• Solves a painful problem for the customer

• Serves customers I want to work with

• Cash flows from day one

But in focusing so much on what I was launching, I forgot my criteria entirely.

I finally took a step back to recalibrate. And in doing so, I set some clear guideposts for myself. It’s simplified what I can build (which is a good thing.)

Avoiding the Midwit Mistake

The midwit mistake is thinking you’re smarter than you are and chasing complex solutions while ignoring simple ones.

What if, instead of overcomplicating, you embraced simplicity?

Here’s a thought experiment:

• Write down your goal.

• Write down how you’d ensure failure.

• Avoid those failure points.

Example:

"I want to build a profitable business I enjoy working on 2025."

How would I guarantee failure?

1. Ignore what excites me.

2. Serve customers I don’t enjoy working with.

3. Choose something that doesn’t solve a real problem.

How would I avoid these traps?

1. Pick something I’m interested in.

2. Serve customers I admire and respect.

3. Solve a painful problem for my customers.

Simple ideas are often the most profound. Take them seriously.

A Lesson from Steve Jobs

In 1997, Apple was on the brink of collapse.

They were trying to do everything at the same time and it wasn’t working.

Steve Jobs returned to the company and did something drastic: he reduced the number of Apple product lines by 70%.

Instead of trying to do everything, he focused Apple’s energy on four products: one desktop and one portable computer for consumers, and one desktop and one portable computer for professionals. That’s it.

The impact?

• The iMac was born, kickstarting Apple’s comeback.

• The company went from near bankruptcy to a three trillion dollar business

Apple succeeded because they simplified. They focused on doing a few things well rather than spreading themselves too thin.

Wrapping Up

The next time you’re overcomplicating something, go back to the basics.

What’s your goal?

How would you do fail at your goal?

Now avoid doing those things.

-Dodds

P.S I made it to Portugal. Didn’t sleep a wink on the plane and instead wrote 80% of this week’s newsletter. Scrapped all of it and started writing from scratch on Saturday (today) in order to get this out by 6 am PST. Benefits of living in the future.

P.P.S. If this resonates, forward it to a friend who’s in overthinking mode (they’ll thank you later)