There’s always more to the system

One of the most important things I took from Donella Meadows’ Thinking in Systems is that everything is a more complicated system than we think it is.

We simplify things in order to discuss or theorize.

We limit variables when we do experiments.

But in reality, systems are much more complex.

Not only are there more inputs and outputs than we’re considering, but the interactions amongst the parts (and the ripple effects) are nearly impossible to quantify.

This can feel overwhelming.

So, like any good human trying to make sense of all the complexity, I simplify.

I choose to focus on two things:

• I can only control what I can control

• There’s always more to the system than I’m seeing

It’s not perfect. But it works.

It leans into what I can control in the system.

And keeps me curious for what pieces of the system I’m missing.

And that’s really all you can do.

How do you manage the complexity of systems?