Simplifying Life Complexity: 5 Strategies to Thrive

In today's fast-paced world, we're all dealing with some seriously complicated stuff, both in our personal lives and at work. I've been wondering, why does life have to be so darn complex?

?I mean, take a look around, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

We're living in an age where technology evolves at lightning speed, remote work is the new norm, information overload is a constant battle, and our world keeps getting smaller thanks to globalization.

All these trends and changes can make life feel like a whirlwind of chaos, and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

But you know what? It doesn't have to be this way.

?We can learn to simplify things and regain some control in this crazy, complicated world. It's all about finding ways to navigate the complexity, adapt, and thrive.

So, let's dive in and explore how we can make sense of it all and lead simpler, more fulfilling lives. ??????

1. COMPLEXITY BIAS

If you were to ask Confucius if life is complicated, his reply would be,

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

Complexity bias is a reason why we humans lean towards complicating our lives rather than keeping things simple.

When we are faced with too much information or we are in a state of confusion about something, we will naturally focus on the complexity of the issue rather than look for a simple solution.

When you are dealing with a situation that you feel is complicated and overwhelming, try to focus on coming up with solutions or strategies that are simple.

Ask yourself this question:

If I take the simple, straightforward approach what will be the outcome?

More confusion or perhaps a solution?

I think you know what the answer would be!?

2. CONSTANTLY WORRYING

As humans, we are emotional beings. When we are stressed, angry, frustrated, or unhappy, our thoughts and emotions can have a significant influence on how we react and behave.

Constantly worrying about your problems and what lies ahead in the future can drain your energy and cause physical and emotional distress in your life. The more you worry, the more complicated your life seems.

Looking for a silver lining or the best option in a bad situation does not come naturally to us. It takes work and continuous effort to navigate our way around the challenges and curveballs that life throws at you.

Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help you calm your worried mind and ease anxiety.

Try the following to see what works for you;

• Breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Cardio exercises
• Journaling
• Yoga
• Listening to music
• Talking to friends

3. TRYING TO CONTROL EVERYTHING IN LIFE

We are all afraid of something, whether it is fear of failing, dying, or losing a loved one. Striving to have control over one’s life is an attempt to bury your fears so that you don’t have to face them.

You need to break free of your fears and learn to accept that there are things in life that are outside of your control.

Once you accept that life is all about you navigating your way through it rather than controlling it, you will find that your outlook on life will be more positive and not so complicated.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.” -Charles R. Swindoll.

4. BASING YOUR HAPPINESS ON OTHERS HAPPINESS

Your happiness does not come from others, it comes from within you.

If you rely on another person’s happiness to live life, over time the complications of life will overwhelm you and you will lose your sense of self.

You will find that you will be constantly trying to please others and trying to keep them happy — this is exhausting and detrimental to your wellbeing.

You need to take a breath, look inward, and then make a choice.

Do you want to live a life valuing and believing in yourself the way you deserve, or do you want to live your life based on the happiness of others?

I know what I would choose.

5. FEEDING INTO THE DRAMA OF LIFE

Drama and having toxic people in your life is a recipe for living an emotionally exhausting and complicated life.

There are certain types of people who live their life through drama and catastrophe. They choose to respond to life’s challenges in a way that is not productive. Stay away from them.

If they do come to you with their drama, take a breathe and give yourself some time to work out how best to manage the situation without falling into the trap of taking on board their negative energy.

It won’t happen overnight, but the more you work on your self-acceptance and self-belief, the more courageous and confident you will be.

With this courage, you will be able to step up and eliminate negative drama from your life. Once you have done this, your life will be less complicated and so much easier for you to navigate your way through life’s challenges.

Final Thoughts

“If you accept life in all its fullness and ambiguity, it’s not complicated; it’s only complicated if you don’t accept it.” -Marty Rubin

You will always have challenging times in your life, and the more complicated you make it, the more difficult your life will be. The more you focus on quieting the voices in your mind, keeping calm, and listening to yourself breathe, the less complicated your life will be.

This is a very simple recipe to living a fulfilled life.

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