Simplify
 Healthcare reform, war, layoff’s, random murders, deficit, bad credit, bankruptcy, greed, email, cell phones, texting, twitter, facebook, linkedin, and fear. This is in front of all of us --- EVERYDAY. While I certainly try and pay attention to the stories that impact me, my business and my family, my thoughts turn to simplicity this month.
The world we live in is so complex today. There is way too much information, too many choices, too many credit cards, too many commercials, ads, pitchmen, toys, electronics, distractions, etc….
If you’re still reading you are likely getting tired and perhaps confused already. I found myself getting caught up in too much of this in October. Let me give you an example. Over the years I would occasionally listen to sports talk radio just to hear the highlights. Well, last month for some reason I listened to it all the time. Every morning, going to and from lunch and then again going home at night. At first I enjoyed it but by the end of the month I noticed that I was getting more and more annoyed by the shows, the fighting, the pettiness, the triviality of it all. I added too much complexity to my schedule.
Oh yea, one other driver of complexity (not to mention the list in the first paragraph) that surprised me this month was my new DVR at home. I tell you what…that thing is awesome! For about a week my wife and I were in love…yes in love with this new fangled thing. We started recording all kinds of shows and were just enamored by “how much time we were saving” and how we could finally “take control” of our tv time. Well, let me tell you that thing is evil! I watched more junk on tv in October than I have in 2 years. We would sit down after a long day, not communicate much if at all and then watch show after show. Mindless complexity!
You have to understand, I have a bunch of small kids at home, a couple of companies to help lead, football coach, church activities, etc… I don’t need anymore complexity. I have decided that for the next two months of 2009 I am going to simplify my life and time. I cleaned my truck, my office and my house (still working on garage – long story). I took my boys camping in the woods this weekend. I am listening to cd’s in my car regarding raising up virtuous boys (teaching them about the simple things of life and the most important). I am planning my time better, saying no more to complexity and enjoying some quiet time.
That is my soap box for the month – choose simplicity!
Gobble Gobble,
Clint
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