How to make it simple? You can accomplish great things if you learn how to make it simple. Yet, most of us try to do too much each day. No wonder we’re frazzled, confused, stressed, and disappointed.
“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
Steve Jobs
How to Make It Simple
But learning how to make it simple takes practice. Remember that no one can keep up the same breakneck speed without consequences. Especially if you have a demanding boss. You will likely wind up exhausted, unable to get everything done, and beating yourself up for failure.
Streamline to Make It Simple
Streamlining is needed instead to simplify it. To do that, first, separate chores, pursuits, tasks, responsibilities, and interests.
Yet, if streamlining and simplifying things is the answer, why is it so hard to start?
- Could it be that somehow, we regard simple as basic, not as good as complex or complicated?
- Do we feel like we shortchange ourselves or others if we try to pare an activity to its core?
A change in perspective is probably warranted.
How to Streamline When Things Are Defined
Think about it. When was the last time you began an activity and it was laid out?
- You know what to do, how long it will take, what materials or resources are required, and the expected completion.
- How much easier is it to accomplish the task with these in place?
Granted, clarifying your thoughts about the task or project may take some time and effort. While you must consider the different variables and come to a workable solution, isn’t it all worth it when you can point to the result you achieve?
How to Simplify When Nothing Is Clearly Defined
Now consider the same activity or project with nothing clearly defined at the outset.
- You waste a great deal of time.
- First, try this approach.
- Then, use more materials than you need.
- You reach a certain point and realize this doesn’t produce the desired results.
- What could be a simple project is now much more complex and challenging.
Which approach would you rather take?
Simplicity Requires Discipline and Practice
Disciplining yourself to think clearly and make your mantra simple may take practice. But you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Best of all, once you learn to make it simple, a normal part of your thought process, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done. Your productivity will zoom.
