From DaVinci to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

sim·pli·fy  (smpl-f) tr.v.

To make simple or simpler, as:

a. To reduce in complexity or extent.

b. To reduce to fundamental parts.

c. To make easier to understand.

Ask me to simplify an algebraic expression and I can do it. Ask me to simplify the structure of a complex business proposal and I can do it. Ask me to simplify almost any given task and I can probably do it. But ask me to simplify my own personal life...and, quite frankly, I struggle. 

The great thinker Leonardo DaVinci  once said that "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." If that is true, then I am afraid that I am living a far-from-sophisticated life. Over the past year, I have gone through some monumental changes that have brought tremendous activities, events, and opportunities into my life. After seeing the change that getting involved with one thing made, I somehow became "addicted" to getting involved with anything and everything in hopes of adding even more positive change and creating more opportunity. However, I quickly realized that this concept, as with all others in life, needs to be moderated somewhere between excessive-ness and indolence if we are to reach our greatest potential.

I have talked before of my views concerning the law of moderation and I continue to learn of its importance: Too much food leads to obesity; too little food leads to starvation. But a well-balanced diet leads to a long and healthy life. [Ergo]--> Having too many "things" in life leads to stress and anxiety; having too few "things" in life leads to idleness and lack of potentiality. But a balanced and simplified life leads to one of longevity, happiness, and achievement. 

I have thus been going through a constant trial-and-error process of figuring out just how to simplify my life. Here are some helpful tactics that I have learned that might be of some aid to you as well:

1. "The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time"

A few months ago, my brother shared with me an article with this title. The author emphasizes the importance of not overloading ourselves with so many things that we get absolutely nothing done: "It's not just the number of hours we're working, but the fact that we spend too many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time. What we've lost, above all, are stopping points, finish lines and boundaries." When we don't allow ourselves to focus our energy on one thing at a time, we decrease productivity, increase fatigue, and feel like we get nothing accomplished. Focus on one thing at a time.

2. Prioritize and Learn to let go

I recently helped a few friends discover something that a great mentor of mine taught me a while back that will forever change my life. He instructed me about the difference between striving for 'perfection' and striving for 'excellence.' When we strive for perfection, we try to give our 100% in everything that we do; a task that is physically, mentally, and intellectually impossible. On the other hand, when we prioritize our tasks and strive for excellence (doing our best) in each of them, we focus the majority of our efforts toward those of greater importance; then, we allow what's left in our reservoir of energy to be used for the less important tasks.

Sometimes, however, when we are prioritizing our lives, we come across things that we realize that we could most definitely do without. This is where we must learn to let go. For example, I love to watch and follow sports. But when I went through the different parts of my life in an attempt to prioritize it, I found that sports was something that was not quite as deserving of my time and energy than most everything else. I had to learn to let go....or at least just catch the highlights on ESPN. Simplifying requires prioritization and learning to let go of needless things.

3. Slow down and fall in love with your life

Schedule time to sit, ponder, and get to know you. What are your passions? What makes you smile? What do you pass by without even noticing when you're running from point A to point B? What are you grateful for? What do you take for granted? If you can't answer any of these questions, then I suggest that you put some serious effort into slowing down and learning to love your life.

To do this, I decided that I was going to start by no longer driving to work and school, but that I would instead take the bus. As weird as it may seem, I love public transportation: something that I quickly remembered after being on the bus for only one block. I like to see the different types of people. I like to wonder what their stories are. I like to ask them about their stories. I like to look out the window and observe my surroundings. By committing to taking the bus, I have to make sure to get everything done in a timely manner so that I do not miss it when it comes. My productivity rates have increased, my awareness levels are high, and I am learning to love things that I haven't loved in a while. I like taking the bus.

Charles Dudley Warner once spoke an infinite truth in my opinion when he said that "To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything else in the world. "I couldn't agree more. Something as simple as poking and staring into the flames of a fire allows us to reflect on our lives and realize just how simple, yet fulfilling they can be.



"The simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become." -- Sarah Ban Breathnach.



I am not a huge fan of the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, but the lyrics of the song "Simple Man" ring true. Take a listen:

Take time to do the things that make you happy. Sacrifice the unnecessary for the necessary. Forget yourself and you will find yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain unhappy: simplify, simplify, simplify.








Here's to a more simplified way of life.




Cheers.