Why do the best books do this? Maybe we should, too ??

Join 90k+ subscribers getting Unstuck! Sign up for our quick 5-minute read, arriving every Tuesday in your inbox. Stay ahead with insights on what’s working in entrepreneurship for creators like you and get the latest updates from SPI.

Hi, it's Pat!

Before we get started, I’ll first introduce the concept from a real-life book, and then reveal which book it’s from. Here we go…

Book #1: This book shows you how to focus on your most important task by asking the question: “What’s the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

Answer: The ONE Thing by Gary Kellar and Jay Papasan

Book #2: This book teaches you to overcome hesitation by counting down from five, “5-4-3-2-1,” and then taking immediate action to interrupt doubt or procrastination.

Answer: The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Book #3: This book shares a system for making your business profitable by setting aside profit first (literally taking a percentage of income as profit before paying expenses), which helps you control spending and grow sustainably.

Answer: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

It doesn’t matter whether or not you knew the answers to these —?the point is this: each of these books boils down to one central idea. Something so stupidly simple, that it works. An entire book about focusing on one thing, counting down from five, and putting aside profit before paying expenses. Dead simple, and deadly effective.?

Today, we’re going to talk about how you can apply this simplicity to your brand messaging, and connect better with your target audience. Here we go, let’s get Unstuck.

QUOTE

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

?—Leonardo da Vinci

THE STORY

We tend to think that the bigger and more complex an idea is, the more impressive it must be. But here’s the twist: it’s usually the simplest ideas that pack the biggest punch.?

Take the books I just shared — the ones that are wildly popular and endlessly recommended. They’re based on dead-simple concepts: focus on one thing, count down from five, pay yourself first. That’s it. And that’s why they’re memorable.

Why Simple Works So Well

Simplicity is powerful because it clears out the noise. Each of these books identifies one actionable habit or shift — something so clear that anyone can understand and use. When things are complex, we get bogged down, second-guess ourselves, or procrastinate. But a clear, single idea? That sticks.?

Simplicity acts like a roadmap that’s so straightforward, that you don’t need to look down to stay on track. And when it’s that clear, it spreads — people remember it, use it, share it, and live by it.

Emphasis on the share it component, especially in today’s world.

Why Simple is Harder Than It Looks

Here’s the kicker: creating something simple is way harder than making something complicated. Many of us, especially creators, get caught up in the details. We add layers, extra steps, and nuances — all in the name of adding value.

But in the process, we risk drowning our best ideas in a sea of extras. Real simplicity comes from stripping away, refining, and zeroing in on that one core thing. In a world where everyone feels overwhelmed, giving your audience clarity is one of the best gifts you can offer.

Try This: A Quick Exercise to Unlock Your Simple, Powerful Idea

1. Think About Your Core Idea: What’s the one, central thing you want people to know or do? Imagine you’re writing it on a sticky note with room for only one clear sentence.
2. Make it Actionable: Can this idea be boiled down into a single action or phrase that’s easy to repeat and remember? Just like “count down from five” or “focus on the one thing.” How can your audience use this idea right away?
3. Play with Catchiness: The best simple ideas tend to sound catchy or rhythmic. Experiment with a few versions until it sounds right. Picture someone sharing it with a friend — does it roll off the tongue?
4. Put it to the Test: Say it out loud or share it with a friend. If they need clarification, simplify it even more. Simplicity takes time, but the result will be an idea that spreads and sticks.
5. Imagine the Bigger Picture: Ask yourself if this idea could grow. Could it be the foundation for a book, a workshop, or a movement? Simple, powerful ideas have that kind of potential.

In a world that’s only getting busier and noisier, what people crave most is clarity. Give them that, and you’ll be helping others while also building something memorable, impactful, and — just maybe — destined to grow into something big.

You’ve got this!

Dad Joke of the Week???

How did the hacker escape the FBI?

He ransomware

We hope you enjoyed this week's Unstuck Newsletter! For more weekly business insights, actionable tips, and real-life examples from Pat Flynn, subscribe to Unstuck today.