Simplicity, more often than not, is anything but simple to achieve. The fantasy of a simpler life can seem too far removed from the clutter, chaos, and complexities of reality. But is it really as far away as we think, or are we too entrenched in the all-or-nothing story in our head?
We tend to think of simplicity obliquely, something that might happen, someday, somehow and—if we’re honest—on its own, effortlessly. But life worked like that, it would be, well, simple.
Then there are those among us who latch on to the idea, and with singular ferocity charge forth to make drastic and radical changes. Other than the occasional lucky breaks, radical changes made on impulse lose steam over time and you’re back to not-so-simple again.
Voluntary simplicity
I have rarely found an all-or-nothing approach to a complicated matter land me onto a better place. It feels too basic, unequipped to handle the nuances and layers that we need to contend with.
What has worked (often begrudgingly, when all else has failed, or I’ve reached peak frustration) is the willingness to look at the matter in hand, and the willingness to understand it beyond the superficial level, within the context of my values and mindset.
In other words, a voluntary simplicity rather than a drastic, charge-ahead approach just for the sake of taking action.
Simplifying the complex
As we get older, many of us want to engage in a pruning process, trimming away the people and things that don’t deliver the emotional payoff we seek.
But employing simplicity goes beyond a mindful trim of what doesn’t serve us any more; life still presents us with complex challenges. And while understanding the concept is key, applying it in every day life or at work requires a certain pragmatism.
With this pragmatic and practical approach in mind, I’ve created a short course called Simplifying the Complex. It’s free, and delivers five weekly lessons via email.
Essentially, it is a guide and a framework that you can use to navigate through complex problems, as a more useful alternative to giving into anxiety, overwhelm, confusion or paralysis. I’ve compiled ideas and practical steps that can help you through a big project, a new venture, or those I’ll-figure-it-out-someday challenges that weigh on your mind.
Simplifying the Complex translates time-tested concepts into real-world benefits in daily life.
If quick and easy approaches have failed you, if you’re tired of delaying what’s important to you, if you’re ready to feel the satisfaction of moving forward, this course can help.
If you’d like to join in, I would love to have you. Click this link to sign up.
Photo by Zahrin Lukman on Unsplash
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