5 Tips for Keeping it Simple

"Simplify to Maximize!"

I don't know about you, but when I heard the phrase "simplify to maximize" I was like...."Yes! Sign me up!!". I totally agreed, but I didn't really know how to do it. Sometimes, ironically,  the act of simplification can feel complicated, but it's all about forcing yourself to think through the situation or complication. One of my favorite sayings is "The problem is not the problem. The problem is not knowing how to think about the problem". After a little bit of practice, I discovered it's easy- it'll just take a few minutes of your time. Your time is precious, but because of the amount of time you save in the long run, it's worth it 100x.

Here's how to think through simplification:

1) Identify the complication(s) in your life you want to simplify.  Symptoms of a complicated situation are dreading dealing with it, it leaves you drained, and it may leave or create a mess. Are you currently buying or selling a house? Is it housekeeping? Is it project management? Grocery Shopping? Often, if there are too many choices involved we feel overwhelmed.

2) Get Clarity: Why do you do this activity? What's the goal or purpose? What are your top priorities within this task or situation? Defining this can give you clarity that leads to simplicity. What does success look like?

3)  Get options: give yourself 15 minutes of devoted quiet time to just brainstorm the possible way to simplify this activity. Let your brain rain and pour and even thunder a little. Is there an alternative way to go about it? Is there an "app for that"? Can you ask for help? What are the elements of the situation that cause the complication, and how can you limit or get rid of them?

4) Get a solution: What's the best option? The larger the project or the more important the activity is, you may need to seek counsel with others here. Smaller activities- just get a solution fast. It's not worth the time or the energy that it's already drained from you. Throw a dart if you have to.

5) Get a plan: Write down your action steps to implement your solution!

Remember, a mess is an unmade decision, and often can be cleaned up through simplification. So stop shrugging off those annoyances, get clarity, options, a solution, and take action. After you have simplified it's time to maximize. Hone in on the most important priorities of the project or situation and spend more time on what matters most.

Simplify to Maximize!

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