Simplifying

If my grandfather, born in 1890, were to come into my house, he would not find his way around, neither in my household nor in my office. Our present generation has so many more opportunities to shape our working world and our private lives. But life has also gotten more complicated. We need to be familiar with so many modern communication tools. So many machines and gadgets with complex procedures that we can’t figure out, do the heavy, tedious work for us. Actually, these modern technical achievements are supposed to give us more time for ourselves.

When I’ve finished writing this article, I won’t have to write it clean on paper, put it in an envelope and take it to the post office for my editor-in-chief. I remain seated in my office chair and send it via the Internet. If the editor wants to, he can open and read it on his computer a few minutes later.

What do I do with the time I’ve saved? Am I going to fold my arms, be happy about the successful article, and reflect on the essentials? I have to watch over my time, my health, my thoughts. I don’t want to plunge into the next activity like the fast swimmer with a head dive into the cold water.

I want to take the liberty – and fortunately I can afford it – to structure my working hours for myself. Instead of getting dragged by the daily grind, I want to consciously take responsibility for my everyday life. After a few hours at the computer, it’s time to do some gardening or kitchen work. Every now and then a nature walk is allowed. During this time, I come up with all sorts of things.

Most people live outside of their “assets”. It’s not just about money, about consumption, but also about time, about food, about relaxation. It’s not about asceticism, but about simply doing without the superfluous, which we find difficult to deal with anyway.

Too many pounds make me short of breath. Why did I eat so much again? I have been wanting to lose a few pounds for a long time! Yes, I can afford a pumpkin pie with whipped cream every now and then. Tomorrow, however, there will be an apple for dessert – and I’ll simply enjoy it! Actually, a fruit day every now and then is good for my health. Or should I try just drinking tea for a whole day? That’s definitely good for me and I’m happy when I’ve grown beyond myself and my appetite.

While I’m tidying up, I can go through my closet. What has accumulated there, such an abundance! I haven’t worn this lovely piece in a year. That’s why my friend recently said to me: “I always see you in the same sweater.” Both pieces are still in good condition: so wash one of them and off it goes to the thrift store. There’s still enough in the closet.

What else can I get rid of in order to live a simpler life? How was it last night before falling asleep? I was worried and anxious about the future. The car is getting in his years, the roof of the house would need some repairs. The winter is still long and the wood supplies are running out. All this costs money. Where does it come from? How am I going to do this? Then even the past came into play. Do you still remember the mistake you made back then? You really weren’t fair to your child. Hopefully it hasn’t been hurt and is getting over that.

Fears and worries about the future, lingering in the past are robbing me the strength and time to simply live in the now. And I can only live in the now. Have I ever experienced anything in the past or done anything in the future? The answer is simple: I live in the now. I can cope with today, this attitude gives me strength, but today I don´t get what I need for tomorrow.

So I can also simplify my thoughts, I can remove the superfluous. Simply by not brooding too much over things I can’t change; but also, simply by looking forward to the new day every morning, to the sun that will rise again, even if the weather should remain cloudy, it’s still there. For me, every new day is an invitation to simply live – or live simply – simply in both senses.

It’s up to me to shape my day to be simpler, to find joy in the simple things of everyday life, in the opening of a flower, in the laughter of a child, in the surprised expression on my work colleague’s face when I have greeted him with enthusiasm and wished him a very good day.

No amount of possessions can buy me the joy of life. Proverbs 13:7 says, “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” If I give in to every wish and fulfill it, then I cannot be happy in the long run. Neither money nor confirmation, not even success can still my longing for a fulfilling life. True joy comes from living a simple life, enjoying nature, being accepted by my circle of friends and feeling safe with my God, Creator and Sustainer.

How often do you feel stressed looking at papers piled on your desk, browsing through hundreds (and for many people, thousands!) of emails, or searching for your glasses, a book, a form, or a piece of equipment?

Your ability to accomplish any task or goal is directly related to your ability to find what you need when you need it – and that ability is essential to any organization in order to accomplish its mission, serve its customers, minimize legal risks, and reduce overhead costs. In other words, good business requires what I call a “Productive Environment™” – an intentional setting in which everyone can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives.

While current economic conditions require organizations to do “more with less” and technology rushes forward, individuals are overwhelmed with “too much” – of everything – email, paper, projects, meetings, and interruptions. So what can you do to overcome these obstacles? The first step is eliminating physical, digital, and “systems” clutter. 

While offices are cluttered with paper, and our computers with electronic files, other types of clutter, such as unused office supplies and outdated equipment, also cost money and take up precious real estate. And then there are those unidentified business cards you collected at networking events months, even years ago, and the mustard packets from the take-out that are how old?

Because most people have never been given a process for eliminating the clutter in their lives, and unless they are “born organized,” were brought up in a family where it was role-modeled, or worked with someone who taught them, they are left to their own devices – which rarely works.

So that explains “physical and digital clutter,” but what is “systems clutter?”  A little girl observed her mommy cutting the end off of the ham before she put it in the oven.  “Why do you cut off the end of the ham, Mommy?” she asked. “I don’t know,” her mother replied.  “Go ask Grandma.  That’s what she always did.”  The little girl ran to her grandmother and asked the question.  Her grandmother replied, “Oh, honey! I didn’t have a pan big enough for the whole ham so I cut off the ends so it would fit!”  

How many systems are you holding onto that are not contributing to a profitable, sustainable business?

Few employees are willing to take the risk of getting rid of something for fear someone else – especially the boss – might want it.  Besides, it’s boring work, and they have “real work” to do!  So here are four simple questions to ask yourself in order to make your office a more productive environment.

1. Is this item helping me accomplish my work or enjoy my life?
2. Who else might find this item valuable?
3. What’s the worst possible thing that would happen if I didn’t have it? 
4. If I got rid of it, and I was wrong, could I live with the consequences?

So here’s my challenge for you!  It’s always easy to see what other people need to do to make their workspace more productive, but how productive is your environment? Let’s find out! Click here to get your Productive Environment Score™ now.

And if you’re the boss, be sure to ask about our “Productive Environment Day™” — a one-day event educating and empowering all your employees to make your office a “Productive Environment™” which truly reflects the quality of your products and services, and where everyone can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives!