Life is simple or is it?

by | Feb 24, 2014 | Emotional Intelligence, Relationships (Self and Others)

Living a simpler life has become a key theme in the past decade. Ideas and techniques abound for how we might achieve this, ranging from how to simplify day-to-day routines to how to decrease the demand for resources we place on the planet. I constantly meet people who are eager to simplify, yet the world seems to be increasingly complex. Complexity has taken over how we attempt to get things done in organisations, communities and governments. We can’t seem to do anything simply anymore. Making a decision, creating a plan, holding a meeting — all of these now involve complex and time-consuming processes. And it is our own doing! So, let’ take Key Steps together this week and answer a critical question…

Why do we complicate life?

1. Have we become suspicious about anything that isn’t difficult? I recently went to the chiropractor because of a bout of headaches. She worked her magic and suggested that I do some very basic neck stretches to strengthen my neck. She said it would sort out the problem I was experiencing. Two weeks after my appointment, I realised I hadn’t attempted a single exercise. When I asked myself why, I was appalled by my answer – the exercises seemed too simple to actually work. What a crazy thought! Too simple!? Yet it seems I am not alone. Recent research has shown that many people hold a belief that things have to be complex to be effective when the opposite is actually true.

In fact, scientists are taught to seek the best solution using the rule of Occam’s Razor: when there’s a choice between two possibilities, choose the simpler one. In Science, these simple solutions are called “elegant”. Because the beauty of the universe expresses itself in simplicity.

2. Can we face realising we’ve wasted our time? There may be another reason why we hesitate to believe in simple solutions: it’s always hard to acknowledge that we’ve wasted our time. If something is so simple, why have we invested so much time and money in a complicated method? We stay invested in what’s complicated just because it took so much of our time, money or effort.

Sounds crazy doesn’t it? But I am sure, like me, you can relate to falling into these traps, can’t you? It is a big challenge to reverse the movement toward complexity. Or is it? Maybe it is a simple as saying it is simple and then keeping it simple. So drop your suspicions and de-invest in the complex. Try it this week and you can…

“be the difference that makes the difference

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Namaste,

 

NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly  ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.

Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, EQ Expert, Founder and CEO

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’