Keeping it stupidly simple
Keeping it stupidly simple
I recently read these words by Brianna Wiest: “Choosing a life rooted in simplicity makes the ordinary miraculous.” She reflected on how we’ve been conditioned to believe happiness lies in “moreness.” The perception that the career, the house, the car, the clothes, or even the relationships will make us happy, expecting them to be more than they are.
This got me thinking: Who decides what is meaningful in our lives? What stories do we tell ourselves about success? Who do we compare ourselves to? What do we work for?
As a coach, I often ask my clients how they define success. Some answer quickly, while others take time to formulate a response. Recently, a client told me, “When I make money, I am successful.” I probed further: “What does that money buy you?” After a pause, she said, “I guess security.” I then asked, “What if you work hard and do all the right things, but due to circumstances beyond your control, your clients can’t pay you, and you don’t make the money you expected? Are you still successful?” She didn’t answer immediately, so I left it there and asked, “Do you have any other measures of success?”
A week later, she responded: “Whether I make money or not is irrelevant if I can’t enjoy milestone events with my family, love doing my job, or if I’m sacrificing my well-being or relationships.” So I asked, “Is success doing the job you love well, making dinner for your dad’s birthday, going for a walk, finding joy in these simple things?” Her answer: “YES! Money is a product, not a goal.”
I share this story because success lies in learning to love the simple things that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Money buys things and can take you places, but only you choose what you do with those experiences. Does this mean we shouldn’t want to make money? Not at all.
When we find joy in the things right in front of us, in the simplicity of daily experiences, we stop wanting and start living. As Brianna Wiest eloquently put it, learn to keep your needs simple and your wants small.
A meaningful life is one built on simplicity!
If you are having a difficult time trying to find your joy and set healthy habits , get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
