Is it Really That Hard?

Just today I was browsing through a different blog and one post in particular caught my eye and it reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago, back when I was still in college.

I remember it was pretty cold out and I had gone for a long-ish walk like I normally did. And on my walk I was thinking about my circumstances, about school, about my social life, and wondering how to be happier? 

And in a not completely unrelated thought, I realized that half of the reason why things were hard for me right then, was because I was making them harder than they actually had to be!

I made an important decision on that walk. I decided that from that point on, I would not make things harder for myself than they actually had to be.

Has that always been the case since then? Not always. I still tend to get up in my head sometimes, but now I have this little reminder too, reminding me to make sure that I'm not the source of my own problems.

And I'm sure I'm not the only one who has asked the question "why is this so hard?" because in our fast-paced lives, it's almost paradoxical that we often find ourselves making things more complex than they need to be. 

As terrible and detrimental as it may sound, we as human beings have an uncanny knack for creating unnecessary complications in just about whatever we put our minds to. 

But the bigger question is why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we tend to take the scenic route when a straight path is right in front of us? And how can we stop?

# 1: Lack of Clarity

How Lack of Clarity Complicates Matters

One of the biggest reasons for why we make things harder than they are is simply because we don't know what that "thing" is. 

If you lack a clear vision it's unlikely you'll be able to simply, decisively, and easily parse out the most direct path forward.

It's definitely worth the time it takes to sit down and clarify your project's objectives and expectations - whatever they may be. When you have a crystal-clear understanding of what needs to be achieved, the path forward becomes more straightforward and thus, becomes less stressful overall. 

Three simple ways to help you start to get clear are...

Effective Planning: A well-defined task or goal allows for effective planning. You can break it down into manageable steps, allocate resources efficiently, and set realistic timelines.

Check out our post: To-do Lists and How to Use Them

Reduced Room for Misinterpretation: Clarity minimizes the chances of misinterpretation and confusion. When everyone involved understands the objective, they can align their efforts, reducing the risk of complications.

Better Decision-Making: With clear objectives, decision-making becomes more straightforward. You can evaluate options against the established criteria, making choices that align with your goals.

#2: Overthinking

Of course, clarity isn't the only tool we use to make things harder than they actually have to be. Thinking is another great and terrible way we do ourselves in.

Overthinking, the art of endlessly mulling over decisions, can turn the simplest choices into intricate labyrinths. It's a common human tendency to weigh too many variables and possibilities, which often results in decision paralysis and, ironically, a more convoluted situation than when you began.

I don't know about you, but rarely do I feel better after overthinking on a problem. What does help me feel better is when I take immediate action to help solve or better whatever the situation is. 

The next time you start making things harder for yourself by over thinking try...

Set Time Limits: Give yourself a designated amount of time to think about a decision or problem. Once the time is up, make a choice or take action. This prevents you from endlessly cycling through possibilities.

Focus on What You Can Control: Identify factors that are within your control and those that aren't. Concentrate your mental energy on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and prevent your mind from wandering into a sea of possibilities. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can be particularly effective.

Check out our post: Getting Started with Mindfulness

Seek External Input: Sometimes, discussing your thoughts and concerns with others can provide valuable perspective and prevent over analysis. Trusted friends or mentors can offer fresh insights.

Use Decision-Making Tools: Tools like decision matrices or pros and cons lists can help structure your thoughts and provide a systematic way to evaluate options.

Trust Your Gut: Intuition is a powerful tool. If you have a strong initial feeling about a decision, don't dismiss it. Often, your instincts can guide you toward simplicity.

#3. Perfectionism

When perfection becomes the goal, simplicity often falls by the wayside.

I was told this during a business class. He said something really poignant that I want to share with you. The essence was, many business people fail because they're obsessing over perfection when what they really need is good enough. 

I personally am not a fan of just "good enough." I want the best or not at all, which is good and bad.

In my experience the conclusion I've come to is to figure out what really, really, really matters and strive for the best in those areas. In the other areas, the ones where it's really not all that important, good enough is good enough and accepting that will allow me to be happier and less stressed.

#4: Fear of Failure

Instead of a fear of failure driving us to simplify (which would make sense, right?) more often it can drive us to complicate even the simplest of tasks. When we're afraid of making mistakes, we often add layers of complexity as a defense mechanism. After all, if we make things more intricate, there are more opportunities to avoid failure, right? Ha!

I'm not going to spend too much time on this factor because a lot of it has to do with mindset and I don't have time to really dive into that today.

Check out our post: Mindset Matters

But by just becoming aware that you could be using a fear of failure to make things harder for yourself, you'll be more easily able to spot it if you start doing this in the future.

#5: Inadequate Planning

To me, this is more of a result of an underlying belief or mindset.

For example, when I see people who habitually tend to inadequately plan for things, they use it as a way to sabotage themselves. Self sabotage. 

And until you dig in and heal whatever the root of that self sabotaging part of you is, it will be harder to eliminate inadequate planning. 

Of course, not everyone who fails to plan is out to get themselves, so try some of these planning strategies to get organized.

Set Clear Goals and Objectives: Begin by clearly defining what you want to achieve. Whether it's a project at work or a personal goal, having a precise understanding of your objectives is the foundation of effective planning.

Create a Timeline: Develop a timeline that outlines the steps and milestones necessary to reach your goals. Having a visual representation of your journey can help you stay organized and on track.

Allocate Resources: Identify the resources you'll need, whether it's time, money, or personnel, and allocate them accordingly. Adequate resource allocation prevents bottlenecks and delays.

Consider Contingencies: Anticipate potential obstacles and setbacks, and plan for contingencies. Having backup solutions in place can simplify problem-solving when unexpected challenges arise.

Prioritize Tasks: Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize your to-do list based on importance and urgency. Tackling high-priority tasks first can prevent overwhelm and simplify decision-making.

Check out our post: To-do Lists and How to Use Them

Use Technology and Tools: Leverage technology and planning tools to streamline your efforts. Digital calendars, project management apps, and checklists can help you stay organized and simplify complex tasks.

Regularly Review and Adjust: Periodically review your plans and make adjustments as needed. Flexibility is key to effective planning, as circumstances can change over time.

#6: Lack of Experience or Knowledge

This one I'm also not going to spend a lot of time on because I really don't think it's the biggest fish to fry.

Someone once told me "it's not what you don't know that will hurt you, it's what you think you know that is wrong that will be your undoing."

#7: Pressure and Stress

High levels of stress or pressure can turn even the simplest tasks into daunting challenges. 

Isn't that true? The simples thing suddenly looks like a huge issue when you add stress to the pot. 

If you can eliminate the pressure and stress, great! But if you can't - like work or school, then the goal is to manage and mitigate.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help manage stress by grounding you in the present moment. It fosters clarity of thought and allows you to make decisions based on rationality rather than emotional reactions.

Check out our post: Getting Started with Mindfulness

Check out our post: Tips to Meditate More!

Time Management: Effective time management can alleviate stress by providing structure and prioritizing tasks. Tools like the Pomodoro Technique or Eisenhower Matrix can help you focus on what truly matters and simplify your workflow.

Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity is an excellent stress reducer. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. A clear, focused mind is better equipped to make straightforward decisions.

Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can instantly reduce stress by calming the nervous system. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing can clear your mind and simplify complex situations.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and there's no way to completely get rid of it 100%, but how we manage it can make all the difference. By adopting stress management techniques and learning from those who have effectively navigated challenging situations, you can simplify your approach to complex tasks and maintain a clear, focused mind.

In Conclusion

Sometimes we make things harder on ourselves than they have to be because of...

Lack of Clarity: Starting with a clear understanding of a problem or task is paramount. It lays the foundation for simplicity in decision-making and problem-solving.

Overthinking: Overanalyzing situations and considering too many variables can lead to complexity. Simplify your thought process and trust your instincts.

Perfectionism: The pursuit of perfection often results in added complexity. Strive for excellence instead, recognizing that imperfections are a natural part of any endeavor.

Fear of Failure: The fear of making mistakes can drive us to complicate tasks. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Inadequate Planning: Poor planning can be a breeding ground for complexity. Set clear goals, create timelines, allocate resources wisely, and anticipate contingencies.

Lack of Experience or Knowledge: A lack of expertise can contribute to complexity. Commit to continuous learning and seek expert guidance when needed.

Understand that simplicity is not merely about stripping away complexity; it's about achieving clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness in your problem-solving and decision-making processes. It's a path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

As you reflect on your own tendencies to complicate matters, remember that embracing simplicity is a conscious choice. It requires self-awareness, a willingness to learn, and the courage to challenge the status quo. 

So, take a moment to consider where complexity may have crept into your life and how you can simplify.

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