Simplicity over complexity Written by Brendan Mooney Psychologist
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‘I find the simpler I make my life, the easier it becomes’.
No doubt we can all relate to the above. Yet the world seems to encourage, if not promote, complexity as being more intelligent in some way.
For example:
If a person can perform multiple tasks at the same time they are typically viewed as efficient, even if this way of performing exhausts their body so much that they need stimulants (e.g. caffeine, sugar, energy drinks) in order to continue performing.
If a person can recall complex information about a topic they are perceived as intelligent, even if their day-to-day conduct in relationships is dysfunctional.
Given the above examples, why is complexity favoured over simplicity?
Is it possible that life is naturally simple?
If so, what do we get out of making life complicated?
For example:
Have you ever created an issue in a relationship where there was none?
Have you ever done something ‘the hard way’?
What if complexity is actually just a more difficult way to deal with a situation when it need not be complicated at all?
Perhaps we invest in complexity as a way of avoiding the obvious. In other words, the obvious truth of what we are feeling.
What if simplicity is key to feeling an inner steadiness within ourselves and a sense of empowerment in life? Whereas we can also choose to complicate life in literally thousands of ways, such as by making choices that result in us becoming stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed.
Whilst we may claim not to like complication in our lives, why do we continue to make choices that actually prevent simplicity being lived? Is it really due to our circumstances or is something else going on? What if we actually choose complication as a way of taking a holiday from the responsibility that comes with simplicity? In other words, when life is simple:
We have clarity about our past, present and future
We know what we need to address in our lives and exactly how to do it
We feel the ease in which life can be lived
We realise how much we have wasted time on unnecessary issues and details
Essentially when we choose simplicity we have no more excuses…but to simply get on with it. Hence are we actually invested in keeping life complicated?
Are we worth bringing simplicity back into our lives? Absolutely!
Perhaps the difference between a simple life and a complicated one is choice…a choice to choose simplicity over complexity.
However…
Are we prepared to accept that simplicity is just a choice?
More will be written in an upcoming series of articles on this topic. If you would like to read more be sure to subscribe to receive email updates.