Coaching | Training | Team Development

It’s taken a while, but I’m learning. There are real benefits to keeping things simple. You’d think I’d have learned this from that good old acronym K.I.S.S., but I guess sometimes I need a good amount of time to learn some lessons.

Looking at my life, where I’ve been and where I want to go, I’ve realized there are a few things I wish I had figured out earlier. Simplicity is one of them. I think there are many benefits to simplicity that are totally underrated.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I do not have this all figured out. In fact, I’d say I have a good long way to go. But I’m trying to bring more simplicity to my life; here’s a few reasons why.

Time

I cringe when I think of how much time I’ve spent managing “stuff”. There’s less picking up, less sorting, less cleaning and repairing. How would you choose to spend some extra free time? Reading? Hiking? Painting?

Space

With less stuff, you need less space. With less space comes less maintenance of the space and the stuff within it. I’m not a fan of cleaning, but sometimes it has to be done. Even keeping a space somewhat respectable is easier if there is less stuff in the way.

Money

Less stuff means less money spent on acquiring, maintaining and storing the stuff. That money could be put to use funding travel (yay!), charity or an early retirement. Could you use a little more cash? Perhaps the pursuit of less could help make that a reality.

Energy

Imagine the extra energy you’d have if you weren’t invested in the pursuit and maintenance of stuff. Stuff that isn’t used or valued sucks our energy, both mental and physical. The stuff doesn’t even need to be tangible. The digital domain is a collector of stuff that is a big drain on time, space, money, and energy as well.

“Every choice you make has an end result.” – Zig Ziglar

Freedom of Choice

With simplicity comes choice. Sometimes, the pursuit of more locks us into a cycle of needing more money in order to support our stuff. If the way we get that money (our work) becomes something that we NEED rather than something we LOVE, we can feel trapped. Wanting less and living below our means gives us the freedom to choose another path if it becomes desirable or necessary to do so.

As I said, I don’t have this all figured out but I have made progress and I do have plans to keep simplifying.

What about you? Is simplicity appealing to you? If so, what is it about the idea of simplifying that is most desirable?

Adaptability is one of my Signature (top 5) strengths, and it is the one that I identify with most strongly. It has served me well over the years, being able to navigate emergencies and crises in ways that have surprised both me and some people around me. I am more comfortable reacting to things than I am planning for things. It still surprises me that I deployed for a year in the role of a planner. I’m so glad I worked with a fantastic team!

Adaptability is a relationship building theme. People with strong adaptability like to go with the flow. They respond easily to change and enjoy responding to the demands of the moment. They expect and enjoy sudden requests or detours from plans. They appreciate variety in their days and dislike routine, structure and predictability.

This strength has been on my mind a lot lately as I start focusing attention on developing my business. I have been very “go with the flow” about what I do, and it’s worked pretty well so far.

Adaptability is a Relationship Building Theme

Earlier this year, I joined a business development program that has me thinking about what I really want my business to look like and how I want to move forward. It’s been a bit challenging for this in-the-moment gal. Setting and working towards goals are not really a forte for those strong in adaptability.

I am most productive when something is needed immediately, when there is a set deadline. So, I’m playing with ways to give myself enough structure to be productive with enough flexibility to keep me from rebelling. I’m using flexible time blocking in my calendar and have set up some awesome accountability buddies for some mutual support. It’s an ongoing learning experiment, and I’m excited by what’s happening so far.

Is adaptability a strong theme for you? If so, how do you manage it so that it can be most effective?

CliftonStrengths® is the result of decades of research by Gallup. It’s an assessment that measures the presence of talents in 34 areas called talent themes. As a development tool, it identifies areas where an individual’s investment in development taps into their unique path to satisfaction and success.