Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 28th

Writing a simple melody can take weeks to get it right where I want it, but I do quite enjoy it. – Trevor Rabin

Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification. – Martin H. Fischer

In the Lencioni podcast that started the author on her quest for simplicity, he used the following quote:

I have only made this letter longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter. - Blaise Pascal, The Provincial Letters (Letter 16, 1657)

As the author has been pondering simplicity, she is analyzing all aspects of live where it can be incorporated.  Being succinct in one’s writing is a great way to add simplicity into one’s life.      

The author desires to communicate her points in the most effective way.  Each week, she starts contemplating what topic she will discuss on Wednesday.  By Saturday or Sunday, she writes the blog and then spends Monday and early Tuesday morning editing to ensure her points are simple, concise and informative.  For the author, these times of writing, revising and revising again, provide her the opportunity to simplify her thoughts to provide wisdom and thought-provoking ideas to the reader.  Furthermore, the author has learned that taking time away from her writing allows her mind to formulate what she wants to state while not thinking about it. 

In writing, I search for believability, simplicity and emotional impact. – Hal David

When possible, write a paper, email, blog post, etc. and then walk away for a while.  Return to reread, revise and render the final product.  Taking time away allows the individual’s mind to process and simplify.      

ACTION:  Incorporate the art of simplicity in your writing. 

 

Resource

·       https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/158279

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://atthetable-patricklencioni.libsyn.com/47-sophistication-sucks

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/sunrise.html

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/simplicity

·       https://www.quora.com/What-is-meaning-of-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication#:~:text=Originally%20Answered%3A%20what%20is%20meaning%20of%20%22simplicity%20is,things%20are%20of%20high%20value%20when%20without%20frills.

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://jnd.org/simplicity_is_highly_overrated/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/21224-i-have-only-made-this-letter-longer-because-i-have

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/complexity

·       https://www.habitsforwellbeing.com/20-inspirational-quotes-on-simplicity/#:~:text=%2020%20Inspirational%20Quotes%20on%20Simplicity%20%201,their%20simplification.%E2%80%9D%20~%20Martin%20H.%20Fischer%20More%20

 

 

 

 

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 21st

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. - Confucius

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. - E.F. Schumacher

A couple weeks ago, the author missed a project in an email she needed to complete at work.  She took responsibility for her error and spent an afternoon completing it.  During this time, she reached out to a coworker who knew about the project.  While talking, the coworker said, “Simplify.  You are making this project a lot harder than it has to be.”

Last week’s Terri’s Tuesday Tip of the Week discussed simplicity verses complexity.  As stated, people often make things harder because they think it makes them look smarter, when in reality making something that is difficult easy to comprehend makes the individual look smarter. 

For the author, she took the time to understand the complex issue and created a spreadsheet that explained the issue in a simple and easy to understand manner.  When discussing with a coworker, the author was able to discuss the matter with ease.  She was told that she truly had a grasp of the topic. 

Does the reader try to make things complex or does the reader try to simplify issues?

ACTION:  This week, challenge yourself to make things simpler in life.  It may mean rethinking a project or a process.  Simplifying life make take time at the beginning, but in the ultimate journey of life it will save time and help in accomplishing dreams. 

Resource

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://atthetable-patricklencioni.libsyn.com/47-sophistication-sucks

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/sunrise.html

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/simplicity

·       https://www.quora.com/What-is-meaning-of-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication#:~:text=Originally%20Answered%3A%20what%20is%20meaning%20of%20%22simplicity%20is,things%20are%20of%20high%20value%20when%20without%20frills.

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://jnd.org/simplicity_is_highly_overrated/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/21224-i-have-only-made-this-letter-longer-because-i-have

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/complexity

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 14th

Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. - Henry David Thoreau, Walden and Other Writings

Simplicity is a great virtue but it requires hard work to achieve it and education to appreciate it. And to make matters worse: complexity sells better. - Edsger Wybe Dijkstra

During the pandemic, has the reader tried to make things simple or complex based on the situation we are encountering?  Based on research, the answer is probably to make things more complex.  Why would we want to make something more complex when simplicity would make our lives so much easier?   

Shortly after the author returned from Virginia Beach and was reminded of the importance of simplicity while sitting on the beach, she heard a podcast called Sophistication Sucks by Patrick Lencioni’s company the Table Group.  As the author listened to the podcast, the speaker’s comments were very meaningful and thought provoking. 

In the podcast, Lencioni talks about why people let complexity creep into business.  First, Lencioni said developing complex ideas makes people feel smarter.  Second, people want things simple.  Usually they will devise a complex solution to resolve a simple issue instead of devising a simple solution that is difficult to implement.

So why do we make things complex?  Based on an article by Don Norman titled Simplicity is “Highly Overrated”, he says product designers treat simplicity as the greatest achievement; however, purchasers believe that if the product is simple the purchase will not be what they need.  Purchasers usually err on the side of complex versus simple.    

Individuals think the better option is the more complex option, but in reality, the simpler option is usually better. 

As we strive to accomplish our dreams and goals, wouldn’t it be more sensical to go with the simple solution instead of the complex one that will only complicate life.

Simplicity is a key to avoiding complication. Part of the definition of simplicity is 'not complex or complicated; sincere’. – Joyce Meyer

ACTION:  What changes can you make in your professional and personal life to simplify it?    

Resource

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://atthetable-patricklencioni.libsyn.com/47-sophistication-sucks

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/sunrise.html

·       https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/simplicity-quotes

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/simplicity

·       https://www.quora.com/What-is-meaning-of-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication#:~:text=Originally%20Answered%3A%20what%20is%20meaning%20of%20%22simplicity%20is,things%20are%20of%20high%20value%20when%20without%20frills.

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://jnd.org/simplicity_is_highly_overrated/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/21224-i-have-only-made-this-letter-longer-because-i-have

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/complexity

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 7th

We have lost contact with reality, the simplicity of life. - Paulo Coelho

There is a certain majesty in simplicity which is far above all the quaintness of wit. - Alexander Pope

Recently, the author traveled to Virginia Beach, which was the trip she was supposed to take over Memorial Day weekend, but had to delay due to the pandemic.  While traveling, the author was able to catch up on much needed sleep, but she was also reminded of something very important.   

When the author arrived in Virginia Beach, her hotel room was not ready so she went and sat on the beach.  Calling Mama Flow to let her know her status, the author said, “I can’t take the beach the whole time”.  Usually when the author travels, she is determined to learn, grow and take in every opportunity.  So, the author walked across the street to The Cavalier Hotel and took a tour.  Walking back to her hotel, the front desk told the author her room was ready and she took her luggage upstairs.  That evening, she visited with friends that are going through a PCS (permanent change in station) in the military.  The next morning, the author awoke around 5:05am and realized the sun rose about 5:45am.  Quickly, she dressed and walked out to the beach.  Watching the sun start to rise for about 15 minutes, the author almost walked away because she had seen the beginnings of the sun rise and did not think she needed any more pictures.  However, she remembered the simplicity and relaxation of the ocean waves is what brought her to Virginia Beach.  She stopped and took in the beauty of the simple experience.  Finally, after sitting in the sand for an hour and watching a beautiful sunrise, the author walked back into her hotel.

Life was not intended to be simply a round of work, no matter how interesting and important that work may be. A moment’s pause to watch the glory of a sunrise or a sunset is soul-satisfying, while a bird's song will set the steps to music all day long. - Laura Ingalls Wilder

ACTION:  How will you simplify your life this week? 

Resource

·       https://articles.uie.com/simplicity/

·       https://ydraw.com/marketing/simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-leonardo-da-vinci/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9010638-simplicity-is-the-ultimate-sophistication-when-once-you-have-tasted