I blame Baskin-Robbins for making life so complicated

Leaving the coffee shop the other day I saw this quote:

As I was pedaling back home, I thought, did Steve McQueen really say this? Are they talking about the Hollywood Legend, Steve McQueen? Or is it some random non-celebrity local? I don’t know. But I do know this. The sentiment by many is why do we have to make everything personal, complicated, and customizable? And who is to blame? The customer? The business? The environment? My mother? Cuz isn’t everything your mother’s fault?

And then I looked to my right and saw where the blame falls.

I blame it all on Baskin- Robbins! If they hadn’t started that 31 flavor thingy maybe we wouldn’t be fuming while the person in front of us orders their Grande Soy Mocha Triple Shot Vanilla Caramel with Cinnamon and Nutmeg latte with extra foam, whipped cream and coconut shreds.

But this goes further than coffee, how many times I have been listening to someone drone on and on and start asking myself why the person is making things so complicated? More times than I can count. I will, however, usually ask the question with a possible solution. Which can evoke a response of good question or virtual daggers to my eyes.

Which always takes me back to meetings. Often, the wrong people are in the meetings. Accounting meetings with all accountants. Marketing meetings with all marketing. Sales. Same. Why not mix it up and get others involved to ask you why you’re making things so complicated etc? Maybe invite someone who is not in your weeds and see if one of their “dumb” (according to you) comments/questions has some merit.

I think I now understand why Jobs (basically) wore the same outfit every day.