Your antidote to overcomplicating just about everything
In a world that seems to spin faster each day, it's easy to get caught up in the race to progress in life, and in our careers. Recently I wrote about how my views on taking the slow lane for a while (you can read it here) and today I’m sharing some thoughts on a related issue.
Why is it that when we want to progress quickly towards something, rather than taking the most direct route, we often overcomplicate things with additional ideas or options for how to get there, unnecessary analysis of what may or may not work best and often a side of taking ourselves way to seriously on the outcome we are working towards?!
Two words: simple and fun
When I started the coaching side of my business I was in love with the newness and the possibilities that come at the start of something. Growth mindset was my middle name! And because I was a beginner, I acted like one, and played and experimented with all sorts of ways to put myself out there and in front of clients who may benefit from my coaching and support.
This meant that I embraced collaborating with friends and coaches I had met through my training and coming up with innovative ideas from events, retreats, discussion groups and more.
One of my favourites was an event called “Sparkle YOUR Way” an evening of champagne tasting coupled with some introductory coaching exercises. Over a few hours attendees got to uncover areas of their own lives where they wanted more sparkle and discuss and generate ideas to deliver on that with the help of the group. Everyone got to enjoy a bit of bubbly, learn the difference between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne AND feel sparkly themselves. While I love drinking the bubbly stuff, I am no expert, so I partnered with a beautiful and talented sommelier friend of mine for that part, while I guided the coaching exercises. According to our attendees it was truly a fabulous and effervescent evening!
The best part was, my friend and I planned it over lunch, evolved it over whatsapp, and delivered it a couple of weeks later. It was simple and fun!
More complexity is rarely the answer
Somewhere along the way, I got dragged into the race, tying to build my business faster than was good for me - and in doing so started to put less emphasis on keeping it simple and having fun. Instead I lost sight of why I started coaching in the first place: because I love helping people, and especially breaking down the stigma that still exists about coaching (especially for those people, like me, who struggle to ask for and accept help).
Instead of focusing on the joy of working with clients and making a difference in their lives, I became consumed by the need to make everything perfect (even though ironically I rarely if ever lived up to that ideal). And in the process, I sucked all the fun out of running my business.
As it turns out, you have a lot more time and headspace for fun when you drop out of the race so to speak. Now I am in the slow lane, I’m making a simple plan for how I retain the fun side in my work - and you know what I have a sneaking suspicion that will be appreciated by my clients as well as me!
Three simple and fun strategies for you
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation—overcomplicating things and draining the joy out of your life—here are three simple and fun strategies to bring more simplicity and fun into your life today:
Embrace Imperfection: Instead of striving for perfection in everything you do, embrace the beauty of imperfection. Understand that mistakes are inevitable and that they often lead to growth and learning. Allow yourself to let go of the need to control every outcome and instead focus on enjoying the journey, flaws and all
Recommendation: read the book by Brene Brown “The Gifts of Imperfection” a total game-changer for caring a little less about things that don’t matter, in my opinion)
Simplify Your Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and ask yourself: are all these commitments really necessary? Are they bringing me joy, or are they just adding unnecessary stress to my life? Be ruthless in cutting out activities that don't align with your priorities or values.
My example - prioritising my mental and physical fitness is now my number one priority - so this is fixed in my schedule well in advance and now everything else gets scheduled around it.
Inject Playfulness into Your Routine: Find ways to inject a sense of playfulness into your daily routine. Whether it's turning mundane tasks into games, singing along to your favorite songs while doing chores, or indulging in a creative hobby, make a conscious effort to infuse your life with moments of fun and joy.
My example - when I first started selling my services I found it so gut-wrenchingly awful it would take me hours to put a single post on linkedin or to send someone a message. Sales was one of the many hats I need to wear so I created a persona “Sally the Saleswoman” and I put on her hat (literally and metaphorically each time I needed to press send!)
By embracing simplicity and fun in your life, you'll not only rediscover the joy in what you do, but you'll also cultivate a greater sense of fulfilment and happiness as you literally get more done.
So, what are you waiting for?
As someone who's been there, done that, and got the overcomplicated t-shirt many many times over, I hope my latest revelations are valuable to you, and you can see how stripping away the unnecessary layers of complexity can help to rediscover the absolute joy in what you do.
And if that doesn’t do it, a dog wearing fake glasses and nose is about as simple fun as it gets. Dontcha think!?
If you ever want to talk about how I can help you bring a more simple and fun approach in your own career and life you know where I am - lets chat!