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

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - June 30th

To educate the intelligence is to expand the horizon of its wants and desires. - James Russell Lowell

Your entire universe is in your mind & nowhere else. To expand the universe expand your mind.  - Unknown

A person can grow only as much as his horizon allows. - John Powell

As this series on Terri Savelle Foy’s quote about living life instead of watching someone else do it comes to an end, it is important to discuss how television impacts individuals. 

·       Mental Energy

Often times, people state that watching television allows them to forget about what is going on in the world and let their mind wander.  However, a different perspective is that when watching television, the mind is drawn into that experience and the reader’s control is given up.  Instead of watching television, the author loves to sit on her patio and just let her mind wander.  This exercise helps relax her mind and renew her strength.

·       Loss of Reality and Satisfaction in Life

Hallmark movies have become very popular for many because they are a clean, fell-good experiences.  However, the author has to be cautious if she watches one because they impair her reality.  Finding the love of one’s live does not happen in 90 minutes where individuals meet, fall in love, conflict arises and then the two individuals’ resolve the issue and live happily ever after.  The author is NOT saying to stop watching Hallmark movies.  What the author learned is that if she watches one, she has to continually make herself keep the right perspective on life.   

Furthermore, the author has to remind herself that her path is different from what she sees on television.  She could be distraught based on what she sees in movies and be less satisfied with her life, but instead she reminds herself that she is moving toward her dreams and to be content with where she it at this time. 

ACTION:  What changes have you made to live your life instead of watching someone else live the life you want?

Resource

·       https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ten-reasons-to-watch-less-television/

·       https://www.searchquotes.com/search/Expand_Your_Horizon/

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - June 23rd

Don't be so judgmental, expand your mind and think with an open one. - Unknown

Always expand. Never be the same. Free your mind. - Unknown

This week, Terri’s Tuesday Tip of the Week is continuing to discuss the quote:

Live is meant to be lived, not watched. – Terri Savelle Foy

Watching less television provides the opportunity to learn and expand an individual’s worldview.  The author has learned over the years that through experiencing different things it provides her the opportunity to bring in different perspectives and provide insight when having conversations with people.

Two different examples:

1.       When the author embarked on “40 before 40” and ended up doing 80 things, she learned and saw many different things.  In conversations, she still incorporates ideas or history learned when completing this challenge and is able to provide ideas of what people should see when they travel to different places to learn and have fun.

2.       On Saturday night, the author was hanging out with friends.  She could have stayed home and watched television as it was a hard day for her; however, she mustered up the energy to go.  While talking with friends, the author learned a new concept about the military.  It is not something major, but it opened her eyes to expand her horizons and now she has the assignment to go learn more to be able to discuss with other military friends in the future.     

In How to Lead When You Are Not in Charge, Scroggins says:

My eyes are open to the world around me every day, of course, but when I get away to a new environment, I see things from a different vantage point.  I may be looking at something familiar, but because of where I am, I’m looking at it differently.  The more I see of the world, the better I see my own world.  And the better you see your world, the more informed and equipped you will be to make wise decisions.  Understanding can help you develop patience, graciousness, and greater discernment for all of life.  A wider angle brings a wiser perspective. (p. 115)

To have an open-mind and interesting conversations, it is beneficial to have different experiences that allow the reader to expand their horizons, incorporate new knowledge and pass knowledge on to others.   

ACTION:  What are you going to do this week to expand your perspective? 

Resource

·       https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ten-reasons-to-watch-less-television/

·       https://www.searchquotes.com/search/Expand_Your_Horizon/

·       Scroggins, C. (2017). How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - June 16th

Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows. - Pope Paul VI

A couple months ago, the author was talking with someone who wanted to make a career change.  The author asked this person, “What do you want to do?”  The person looked at her and said, “I want this to be my eat, pray, love moment like in the movie.”  Smiling and nodding her head, the author then asked, “What does that mean for you?”  The person looked at the author with a blank stare and said, “I don’t know.”  This individual continually brought up different things seen on television, but had no goals or ideas of what they wanted to accomplish.  The author mentioned different places she had traveled, books read, things she wanted to do and the person she was talking with became excited to do similar activities, but took no action.  Truly, this broke the author’s heart.  

Recently, the author heard the below quote while watching a motivational speaker and it has been lodged in her thoughts for a couple months:

Live is meant to be lived, not watched. – Terri Savelle Foy

During the stay-at-home order, the author has had to be very careful what she watched on television because it can be an abyss of hours lost in a day for her.  She constantly reminded herself not to watch the same movies over and over again.

As we continually make progress of returning to social interactions with others, take time to live life and not watch other people live their lives.

ACTION: How are you going to live your life this week and not watch someone else live theirs?

Resource

·       https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ten-reasons-to-watch-less-television/

·       https://www.facebook.com/terrisavellefoy/videos/250006259489558 - Minute 9

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - June 9th

Being connected to everything has disconnected us from ourselves and the preciousness of this present moment. - L.M. Browning, Vagabonds and Sundries

We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own to-do list. - Michelle Obama

As the author has mentioned, she has been working too much during the lock down.  Living alone, she has continued to wake up at her normal time, administer her morning routine and then start working when she normally would be leaving for the office.  Often, she would work late into the evening because she had to complete a task or was bored because she did not have the option to go hang out with friends.  Through this time, the author did not have the opportunity to disconnect, have fun, laugh and change perspectives.  The breaking point came this past week when she had to work 13 hours due to other people not planning well and her emotional state was not good.  She ended up sleeping 9 hours the following night, which was a rare commodity for her that has not happened in a very long time.    

During this time of the stay-at-home order, the author read an article titled “Work/Life Separation Is Impossible. Here’s How to Deal with It”.  There were many good points in the article, but the one that really stuck out to her was based on what she was experiencing.  It is vital that we disconnect from work.  In this unique environment, we have to have the opportunity to disconnect just like if we were leaving the office after a long day.  To accomplish our dreams and goals and for our loved ones, we have to renew our emotional and physical well-being.  Ultimately, it is hard to sometimes separate ourselves from the office when we leave because of a problem or an important project that is being worked on.  However, disconnecting is good for our emotional and physical well-being. 

As the country is reopening and people are starting to commute back to the office or still teleworking, it is important that we find ways to disconnect so that we are fully there for family and our work.  There will be overlap sometimes because of different issues, but we should strive to be present in each part of our lives.

We have overstretched our personal boundaries and forgotten that true happiness comes from living an authentic life fueled with a sense of purpose and balance. - Dr. Kathleen Hall, stress expert

For the author to disconnect from teleworking while living in an 850 square foot apartment, it meant she simply turned off her work laptop and put it in a cabinet where she was not able to see it.  That simple action helped her emotional well-being by not seeing it each day.

ACTION: Contemplate and write down how you plan to disconnect from work to create a more fulfilling, enjoyable and meaningful life.

Resource

·       https://www.joinforge.com/work-life-balance-quotes-2018/

·       https://99u.adobe.com/articles/31721/worklife-separation-is-impossible-heres-how-to-deal-with-it?utm_sq=g0oyds7ll9&fbclid=IwAR0U2mdjt5Hb7j1aw9Cwb7e94iW3dozCW8e8a96SoBNgOnTItc7BkHYdOx4