I was reminded this week of a term we used in my prior corporate days: “KISS-Keep It Simple Stupid!”
“It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.” – Bruce Lee
In my Coach training I went through a process of looking at all the things during my day (both personal and work time) that I “tolerated.” The challenge was to come up with 100 of these things that did not add to my day or things that got in the way. I’ve realized over the years that this exercise is not a one time thing; maintenance is required. And it is doubly important during the annual holiday season. It is easy to get caught up in all the things that I feel like I “should” do in order to really celebrate the season!
In work environments with clients I see this happen on projects; it may be a habit of the culture to over complicate the problem or miss a simple solution. Sometimes stepping back or asking another person to look at the project can give a new perspective and eliminate some of the complexity.
“I do believe in simplicity. It is astonishing as well as sad, how many trivial affairs even the wisest thinks he must attend to in a day; how singular an affair he thinks he must omit. When the mathematician would solve a difficult problem, he first frees the equation of all encumbrances, and reduces it to its simplest terms. So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run. ” – Henry David Thoreau
Right now, I have had a kind of forced simplicity in my life as I take care of Walt, while he is in the hospital and out of state from my home. It is amazing how little I actually need or have to do in order to still thrive and “find where my roots run.” Sometimes, adverse events allow us to simplify in profound ways and for this I am grateful. We are handing out holiday candy cane kisses to the nurses here and this made me think of the KISS term that inspired this post.
How Sweet…Literally 😉 Glad you are keeping up and in touch…Much love–Adriene
Dear Paula, do you remember me?? I hope so, because I certainly remember you and all you brought to our time in San Diego. I’ve seen your posts on FB and just want to extend my most sincere wishes for Walt’s speedy recovery. While I do not know him, I trust he is a very special human and he is very blessed to have you at his side. My daily thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m waiting for the day that your post says you are going home. Take care. Ginny
Thanks Ginny! Of course I remember you, how could I forget your wonderful spirit! Thanks for your thoughtfulness, prayers and positive energy. It is great to hear from you and we will have to have a virtual glass of wine one of these days… : )
Thanks for your comment Adreene, you are sweet too!