What would this look like if it were easy?
I overcomplicate things- sometimes to the point of overwhelm. I tend to build layers of conditions and caveats into my plan until it collapses under its own weight.
For example, my idea for a simple, old-school, kid’s birthday party in the backyard with pizza and cupcakes suddenly requires themed plates, banners, and balloons. What about drinks and chips? Adult drinks? Surely, they’ll need something to take the edge off. What about goody bags? No, no. Let’s do a pinata. But will it be too hot for chocolate? Maybe we should stick to Starburst and Swedish Fish. But no one really likes those. I’ll just make sure to check the weather repeatedly as we get closer. And since this isn’t his actual birthday, we’ll need to do something the day before. Minigolf? Great but Brian and I will be working so I’ll get a sitter to take him.
The spin goes on and on to the point when anyone asks what we’re doing for the kid’s birthday I sigh and say, “Well, it’s complicated.”
In a world with unlimited time and resources, this approach might be fun. Maybe? After all, more is really more! Right?
Unchecked, my tendency to overcomplicate is frustrating because I simply can’t execute it all. Things get done but not to the degree that I imagined. Others also get caught up in my sticky web of overlapping tasks and asks which, I’ve learned, they don’t always appreciate.
I’m guessing you’re guessing where this is going.
What would this look like if it were easy?
That’s the journal prompt* for this week.
Pick one problem. It can be a biggie like what’s next in my career or more tactical like my kid’s birthday party example. The thing to know about this question is that it doesn’t give you the answer. Instead, it’s an approach to coming up with options.
It requires you to notice when you start spinning up add-ons and extras.
It also requires that we adjust our expectations around what done looks like.
Making it easy helps us do more with less stress.
But it’s not just about doing more. Simple solutions free up space to focus on what’s most important.
“A LITTLE SIMPLIFICATION WOULD BE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD RATIONAL LIVING, I THINK.” - ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
*A journal prompt is simply a question to consider when you want to pause and reflect. It’s fascinating to see what comes out on the page. In writing for yourself, there are no rules, no special notebooks needed, or minimal time required. Do only what works for you.
