We live in a complex world where we are faced with many choices every day. Instead of being a good thing, too much choice can work against us and lead us to believe we are missing out on something. We could spend larger amounts of time trying to meet our needs but cause ourselves more stress and anxiety in the process.
Is your life out of balance? Are you struggling to make decisions? Do you feel that you have too many balls in the air for you to keep juggling them successfully? The answer to these questions is to keep things simple. Start with the most immediate tasks rather than planning too far ahead. Planning too far ahead can lead you to tripping yourself up and worrying about things that may never happen. Be mindful and try to stay in the moment, taking one day at a time.
How could you simplify things today? What could you differently? What could you stop doing? We often become our own worst enemies – creating “to do” lists that are long and complicated. I used to make long lists and would invariably end up transferring many items on to the next day. Thus left me feeling that I wasn’t being productive. Now, I try not to do a list at all and if I must, I keep the items on there to the most important and essential.
Sometimes it pays to be selfish and focus on our own needs in order to keep it simple. When we try to please others and lose the art of being assertive we invite complications. Learn to say “no” and learn to prioritise. Do you really want to do something or are you being coerced? Sometimes we need to admit to our limitations and accept that this involves letting others down at times.
We have to be willing to let go of the complex web we have woven.
When we keep it simple, we are honest with ourselves and let go of distractions that make life difficult for us. When you don’t know how to move forward, ask yourself what you would do if you only had to consider yourself. This may not always be possible to sustain in reality but it will give you a good idea of where your ‘essential’ self wants to go.
When we keep it simple we learn to let go of “musts” and “shoulds” and focus on making the most of our time. Time is supremely precious and the wise ones use their time well, understanding that it is a finite resource.
Simplicity leads to less stress and more contentment.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
