Going around the edges has never been a good idea when giving any type of explanation. Whether it is an educational lesson in class, on the subject in question, giving a lecture or talking to other people to convince them with your arguments about a matter, the longer your explanation, the closer you will be to failure. Because you will end up getting entangled in meaningless details and your interlocutors will end up lost, without finding the real meaning of your words or your intentions. Or wrong thinking about your arguments. Much more convenient is to apply the “napkin theory”. Do you want to know what it is and what it is based on? We explain it to you.
It is worth paying attention, because this theory is becoming more and more viral and there are those who claim that it may be the key to success because it helps to put things into perspective and find the simplest solution to problems.
What is the Napkin Theory
Use simplicity to powerfully solve problems of any magnitude. This would be fabulous and we can teach you how to try it through this article. Without giving any further thought to the preamble, because we would then be failing the theory at hand, we will tell you that this theory is based on a way of thinking adopting a minimalist approach. Yes, minimalism also applies to thinking and is not just a useful concept in decoration.
What this way of thinking proposes is provide simple solutions to complex problems, so this solution can be captured on a napkin. So, when you have a problem or someone asks you one and you want to think about a solution and know if you are getting on the right track or are on the right path, analyze your response. Even write it down and then observe: Does this proposed answer or solution fit on a napkin? If the answer is on the right track, it looks good! If it goes off the napkin, better reframe it another way.
El goal of the napkin theory is power solve problems using minimal resources. If your answer is unclear or very convoluted, you will run the risk of getting lost along the way.
How the Napkin Theory was born
Originally this theory emerged in the business field. But nothing prevents you from using it in other aspects, even in your personal life. Well, it is simply about breaking down problems into basic components in order to find direct and practical solutions. And thus avoid the paralysis that comes to us when we start to analyze situations.
The creator of this theory is none other than Richard Branson, the founder of the great Virgin Group, which was born and prospered towards success precisely because its leaders knew how to advance using this philosophy.
But Branson is not the only one who thinks that capturing ideas in doodles on an element as humble as a napkin can lead to success, because there is another important and well-known figure who also defends this current of thought, such as Dan Roam. another entrepreneur famous for creating his own company and author of the famous book “The Back of the Napkin”.
The Napkin Theory step by step
La Napkin Theory It is based on 4 key principles that we will explain to you below.
Simplicity principle
Most of the time the simplest solutions are the most successfulHowever, we tend to think that we have to find equally great solutions to big problems and this is not always the case. In fact, this is almost never the case. Nor are the problems usually as immense as we imagine them to be. What happens is that we think about them so much that we end up getting dizzy, confused and getting into a labyrinth of thoughts from which it is difficult for us to get out.
The solution to find a quick and successful answer is to eliminate the noise from our thoughts and focus on what is important in the matter.
The next time you have a problem to solve, ask yourself how you could explain the problem or the solution on a napkin. Can't you? Then you need to simplify your approach further.
Visualization principle
We are eminently visual animals. Our brain processes images better than words or written texts. For this reason, they recommend that we draw the problem, even if it is in the form of a doodle. It is not necessary to be a Picasso or Rubens to take a napkin and draw, in your own way, the problem that worries you.
In the drawing you see paths, connections and basic elements. By watching, your brain can find its way better.
Iteration principle
This is obviously not automatic and foolproof. That is to say, the napkin is not a magical element that will make you find the solution to your problems instantly. You will have to do several scribbles and analyze several times. But your path will be much simpler, kinder and faster than if you get tangled up in thoughts and more useless thoughts.
You will start with a basic sketch and then you will add details. Don't get stuck in making an attractive drawing, because if you understand it, it's enough.
Accessibility principle
Another detail that makes the ideal napkin theory It is a very easy element to find. The napkins are accessible anywhere. When you meet in a bar, restaurant or cafe, you always have napkins on hand. So it will be easy to use them to capture your ideas. Then you put them in your pocket or your purse and that's it, you can always carry them with you! They don't weigh, they don't take up space and they don't cost you money.
On the other hand, if anyone who sees your sketch can understand your idea, this will mean that you have made it so simple that it is accessible and, therefore, has a high probability of success.
Knowing the Napkin Theory, what it is and what it is based on, you just need to put it into practice. Or do you already do it? Logically, this takes training and it will not be the first time that you find your solution on a napkin successful, but over time you will find it good to practice and, if you want be an entrepreneur You should have it as part of your routine. Tell us your experience and so we can learn from each other. Seem to you? From now on, try to see the napkins with different eyes.