Occam's razor

Your everyday razor 🪒 trims away unwanted hair. Then there are philosophical razors. They cut through unlikely options. They are powerful mental tools, each with a specialized purpose in reasoning and decision-making. Today, we’re diving into one of the most practical ones: Occam’s razor.

In a nutshell, Occam's razor is selecting the option that makes the fewest assumptions.

Occam's razor—When faced with competing hypotheses, one should select the one that makes the fewest assumptions.

The power of simplicity

Simpler explanations often outshine the complicated ones. When you can explain something simply, like Pythagoras’ theorem, it sticks. On the other hand, complex theories with endless assumptions? They just don’t have the same staying power. The same goes for ideas, solutions, and even decisions.

The important thing to keep in mind is that this mental tool is best for making just the initial assumptions. Occam's razor isn't about dumbing things down. It's a handy tool when you don't have enough information at hand or you are pressed for time. For big decisions, you must look for evidence to back up your choice.

This principle is even found in nature. The second law of thermodynamics states that systems naturally tend toward the state of least energy. A river follows the path of least resistance as it winds down a mountain. A ball rolls down to reach the point of least potential energy.

Occam's razor is used as a rule of thumb by scientists when developing new theories, by doctors when diagnosing patients, and even by detectives when solving crimes. 🕵🏻‍♀️

So, how can you and I use it in our daily lives?

Occom’s razor in work and business

In the business world, simpler marketing messages work better.

If Nike had come up with a slogan like "Achieve Your Maximum Athletic Potential" instead of "Just Do It," it’s unlikely that we’d remember it.

Simpler pitch decks are better received by investors. When pitching a startup, for example, focusing on the core value proposition rather than overloading the presentation with complex features or statistics is often more effective. Investors can grasp the essential idea quickly, which increases the chances of securing funding.

In product design, simplicity often leads to greater user engagement. A product with fewer, but highly effective features, tends to be more engaging than one overloaded with complicated options that may overwhelm the user. Think about the success of apps like Instagram, which started with just a few core features—post a photo, add a filter, and share it.

Occam’s razor in health and fitness

Fitness coaches who offer their clients diet plans with simpler, more straightforward options often see a higher success rate in people sticking to those plans. e.g., a diet plan that emphasizes "eat more vegetables and lean proteins" is easier to follow than one requiring extensive meal prep or the elimination of multiple food groups.

A workout plan that focuses on a few basic exercises, like squats, push-ups, and planks, is more likely to be followed consistently than a complex routine with too many variations.

Using Occam’s razor for personal growth

When it comes to forming habits, simplicity is key. Once you get used to a simple cue and reward system, your mind starts to associate certain actions with positive outcomes, making the habit easier to maintain.

For example, if you want to build a habit of reading daily, start with just 10 minutes a day. This simple, manageable goal is much easier to incorporate into your routine than aiming to read a book a week from the start.

Over time, these small, simple habits can compound into significant personal growth. By removing unnecessary complexity, you create a clear path to achieving your goals.

Occam's razor teaches us that simplicity often leads to clarity and effectiveness. Whether in our work, health, or personal lives, stripping away the unnecessary can help us focus on what truly matters.

As you navigate your day-to-day decisions, ask yourself: What's the simplest way to achieve the desired outcome? By embracing simplicity, we can streamline our efforts, minimize distractions, and make progress toward our goals in both life and work. 🙌