The basics are always best

The fundamentals are everything. They are the building blocks of our own foundation, and what we always retreat to when things get too complicated. Then we’re left wondering, how did things get so complex? All I was trying to do X. Well that’s because somewhere along the way, the basics got “boring” and doing something fancier was going to somehow get us there faster…but what if eventually, it doesn’t?

What are the basics, anyway?
The basics are the important elements of an idea or thing, in its simplest form. Yeah, it sounds pretty vague and general, but do not underestimate this. We all have at some point of our lives, and I admit I have as well.

There’s a reason why football teams bust out “the ol’ playbook” and the play becomes a success. There’s a reason why grandma’s recipes hit our bellies different than one “inspired by” recipe didn’t.
There’s a reason why there’s so many 90s cover songs and remixes made famous by today’s artists, why black coffee is always an option at coffee shops, and why squats are a part of our daily lives.

That’s because the basics were brilliantly executed.

Executing the basics brilliantly
It’s only logical to say that to get good at something, you have to keep doing it.

It’s true! You don’t get good at squatting by doing leg presses. They can strengthen your legs, but it doesn’t mean you have proper mobility for a squat.
You don’t get good at driving by staying at home, and you don’t get good at cooking by ordering take out.
You get where I’m going with this.

Practicing the basics and then excelling at it is what makes you better; by being smart with your time and investing that into mastering the basics is the brilliant move to go. With that, you’ll also need to put in hard work.

Putting in the hard work
I shouldn’t have to explain this, but it could be the reason why things get complicated in the first place: lack of effort. Not everyone receives handouts or can buy themselves out of things, and even if they could, would they be more resourceful?
Could they learn about longer-lasting concepts such as discipline?
Self-control?
Problem solving?

There’s a lesson in putting in hard work and it’s different for everyone. Whatever this lesson will be for you, make sure you use it to help you grow. Then, use it to help others grow.

So if you’re ever wondering why something isn’t working the way it should, think about how much of the basics are put into it. Identify them, execute them smartly, and put in the work. Don’t make things more complicated than they are. Enhance them, but don’t change them.