What examples do you have?
When would you like to tell someone “Hey, it’s not rocket science!”

You’ve heard the cliché It’s not rocket science! Or perhaps a variation of the same theme that states This ain’t brain surgery!  Each quip is typically a tagline following a simple and, generally, obvious statement of fact.  It can be used for comic effect or it can drive home a point that a seemingly complex issue is not as intricate as it may look.

I was reminded of the sentiment twice this week.  The first time was while doing research for an upcoming program; the second when speaking with my trainer in the gym. In both instances, the “it’s-not-rocket-science” line reinforced the simplicity of a particular issue and concomitant strategy.

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Video recommendation for the week:

Brain surgery or rocket science? Laugh along with this.

I began to think about times when the statement of “it’s not rocket science” would fit.  Here is a short list.

• I did a little calculation for my students about the time-sucking activity of watching television.  In short, if you just watch two hours per day for five days a week, by time you get to the end of the month you have spent the equivalent of a 40-hour workweek in front of your HDTV. For some it’s not television but, rather, social media grazing. Wondering where all your time goes?
  • It’s not rocket science!
• I have heard people say that they were amazed at losing weight just by giving up sugar-laced soft drinks.
  •  It’s not rocket science!
• A magazine article said one of the best ways to avoid debt was not to buy things you don’t need.
  • It’s not rocket science!
• In the same category as the item above…Will Rogers quipped, “Too many people buy things they don’t need, with money they don’t have, to impress people they don’t like.”
  • It’s not rocket science!
• I walked up to one of my students in the campus cafeteria last week. He had been cutting class—and had turned in only one assignment thus far in the semester. His average was hovering around a robust 12%.  He looked at me, shook his head, and said, “I shouldn’t be failing a student success class.”
  • It’s not rocket science!
• Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion/Momentum can be applied to the power of an individual’s motivation: A person at motion tends to remain in motion; a person doing nothing tends to remain doing nothing.
  • It’s not rocket science!
• When some people discover that I am an author, it’s not unusual to hear, “I could write a book! What’s the secret to writing a book?” I invariably respond with, “Have you started actually writing your book; putting words on paper?”  The response, “Well, not yet.”
  • It’s not rocket science!
• Our federal government might make more progress if lawmakers stopped posturing and started synergizing.
  • It’s not rocket science!
• Forty-five states have passed laws saying it’s illegal to text while driving.
  • It’s not rocket science!
• Dreams are great. If you want the dreams to become reality, you need to take action.
  • It’s not rocket science!

What examples do you have? When would you like to tell someone “Hey, it’s not rocket science!”

Video recommendation #2 for the week.

Part of comedian Bill Engvall’s stage act includes a routine with the punch line of “Here’s your sign!” He uses it to poke fun at people who say things without thinking (or not!).

Enjoy your week—and H.T.R.B. as needed!

My March 13 webinar, Critical Thinking for Success: In School, Business, and Life! is timely. Why not organize a webinar party at your school or office? Click here to register now.  Or go to my website for registration information. 

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©2013. Steve Piscitelli.