The Simplifier #31 - Simplify from the Inside Out
Welcome to The Simplifier, brought to you by…
Contents:
1. A Note From Shawn
2. Our Featured Quote
3. Article: Simplify From the Inside Out
4. Your Simplification Tip
5. In the News
6. Featured at ProjectSimplify.com
7. Keep Smiling
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1. A Note From Shawn
It’s all about David, that hunk of marble. Several newsletters ago I shared some of Michelangelo’s words about his famous statue. Writing this issue’s article, the same concept arose in support of the heart of simplifying. That exquisite (and completely uncluttered!) essence just goes straight to the purpose of Project Simplify.
So I used Michelangelo’s words. Again. I’ll keep my eyes open for other examples of getting to the essence, and I’d be happy to hear what represents this for you. We can call it the Exquisite Essence Challenge. You can tell me about it here. The best entry will receive a fantastic piece of filing cabinet magnetic art! So read on for inspiration and then let me know what metaphor reveals the exquisite essence for you.
Enjoy!
Shawn Tuttle
Head Simplifier
Project Simplify
Co-editor, The Simplifier
2. Our Featured Quote
“In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away.”
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
3. Article: Simplify From the Inside Out
By Shawn Tuttle
So you want to simplify. Where to begin? Ironically, this question can throw the mind into a fresh round of confusion. Start with the piles on the desk? Those on the floor? Maybe you should start with emails? What about all the projects you’re in the middle of? Don’t even think about all of the responsibilities to which you’ve committed!
All of these possibilities are external situations. The underlying sentiment being, “If my surroundings and schedule were organized, I’d have more peace of mind.” Then why does it seem like the relief earned from a cleaned-up space is so short-lived? Granted there is less to distract you, but having fewer distractions is a far cry from flowing through your day feeling satisfied with the pace and completion of your activities.
I heard a colleague, Bill, say he had to clear his external surroundings before he could think about simplifying internally. My response was that he did start internally—even if he didn’t recognize it as such.
There are a couple of concepts at play that encourage us to shift our perspective about simplifying to an outward direction (i.e., from the inside out):
1. Like attracts like. The level of clarity and order you have internally will attract an equivalent level of clarity and order externally.
2. Thought precedes action. Clearing the mind of clutter and focusing allows for clarity of action.
That Bill had a desire to clean up his external clutter indicated that he was acknowledging a disparity between his internal and external experiences. A better understanding of internal simplification facilitates lifestyle changes that are more apt to persevere. So then: What does it mean to simplify?
Michelangelo was said to have been asked how he created his masterpiece, the statue of David, out of a large piece of marble. His answer: I just took away everything that wasn’t David.
What are you left with when you take away everything that is not “the statue of You”? Your Essential Self. Simplifying is the process of clearing away that which is not you.
What isn’t you? This can be answered by asking a simple question. Is it (”it” being a situation, a physical item, a relationship) taking from or giving to me? If it takes from you, it is not supporting you. Conversely, if it gives to you, then it is supporting you. Your Essential Self thrives with support.
Understanding the larger scope of this intent explains why the goal is to simplify and not just to organize or systemize. The point isn’t just to put things in place so they are easy to find later, or to make a system more efficient just so you can do more (though these are great results!) The point is to facilitate your workflow so that it supports you, your goals, and your dreams.
Simplifying is a natural and dynamic process that proceeds in an order that’s right for you. Most likely, your internal self will express dissatisfaction with your current level of organization. You’ll be drawn to the mess that is at greatest odds with your Essential Self. The clutter around Bill was contrary to him—the most blatant offender being the piles of paperwork stacked up in every room of the house. So that is where he started. Hours upon hours (and days and weeks) later, he had dealt with it all. Whew! That taken care, time to celebrate, then get ready for the next round—i.e., the next most blatant offender.
Concurrently, as you deal with your external surroundings, you’ll make life much easier on yourself by simplifying your internal world. How? Engaging in daily quiet time, master planning time, meditation, and visualization exercises (to name a few examples).
As you have success bringing your external and internal worlds in line with your Essential Self, you want more, and more, and more! Why? Simple. You are much more interesting, fun, curious, lively, energetic, and exciting than the stuff cluttering you up! This is the source of a rich and satisfying life. And as if that weren’t enough, everybody benefits! Just think how inspiring and magnetic people who are living fully can be. Just think how inspiring and magnetic you will be, living fully who you are.
—
Shawn Tuttle is founder of Project Simplify
4. Your Simplification Tip
Getting Things Done
In a nutshell: Check out Getting Things Done.
Outside the nutshell: To complement the article, I wanted a practical, easy-to-use tip that would directly facilitate simplifying. The one I thought of was identifying the next action for any projects or ToDos that are floating around your head or workspace unfinished. However, just identifying the next action isn’t as powerful as sandwiching it in a comprehensive system.
Enter the “Getting Things Done” workflow management system (simply laid out in a book of the same name). Developed by the primary advocate of Next Actions, David Allen, this system aims to be an air-tight capture system of your responsibilities. The general premise is to free your mind of tracking unfinished business so you can better enjoy your life and get things done.
The system is easy to use. I’ve found it does provide relief to my over-active mind that would otherwise wonder what happened with this, that, or the other piece of information. Interestingly, it has achieved something akin to a cult-like following, including major online support forums and numerous blogs unconnected with Allen’s site.
The only grain of salt I’ll sprinkle on the Getting Things Done system is the awareness that it’s a workflow management system, not a motivational system. Nor does it assist you in incorporating your values into your workflow. This means that you continue to take responsibility for ensuring your work reflects what you want to be doing.
For more info, check out this CNN article on David Allen, which is also featured In The News below.
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5. In the News
If you know of something in the news that should be featured here, let us know!
Making a fine mess (Denver Post)
URL: http://tinyurl.com/2luv9b
There are two schools of thought on how neat and tidy everything should be for folks to be most effective. This article looks at the other school.
David Allen and the Getting Things Done phenomenon (CNN International)
URL: http://tinyurl.com/3bfwnk
There aren’t many world-famous professional organizers, but David Allen and his GTD system stand out from the pack.
Columnist: Put your work and time first, not your co-workers (The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
URL: http://tinyurl.com/33hcqb
A good rundown on how to “just say no” when approached by those who would distract you from your own priorities.
6. Featured at ProjectSimplify.com
The Best of (this) January
Happy new year!
Shawn posts a smiling photo to ring in the new year.
one rat + one wire =
How a neighbor clearing blackberry bushes led to damage under the hood.
How to help friend stop ugly habit
Complaining…it’s fun for everyone except the people who have to listen to it.
Simple living: We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
Shawn compares Simple Living America’s mission statement with a famous Hopi mantra.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival a huge success!
A post-festival report from the woman in the funny blue hat.
Front page!
Shawn and Project Simplify on the front page, that is. Of our local paper, that is.
Cleaner living with Liz Strauss
Shawn on Liz Strauss on “ways to start living your life”.
7. Keep Smiling
The Daily Show and The Colbert Report
Not everyone gets the Comedy Central TV network on their TV sets - in fact, most of America probably does not. And yet The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report have attained a cultural reach that goes far beyond basic cable.
The Daily Show’s “fake news” segments get replayed on real news shows, and it is credited as a primary news source by many young folks. Meanwhile, The Colbert Report’s host Stephen Colbert has: made waves in places as diverse as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and Wikipedia, invented a Word of the Year, been named a Man of the Year, had a bridge in Europe named after him, dueled with George Lucas and duetted with Barry Manilow…the list goes on (and only gets weirder).
If you’ve seen the shows, you know how funny they can be. But maybe you’ve only heard about them, or been able to catch it here or there (or as a segment on the “real” news). Or maybe you just have a tough time tuning in every night. Luckily, Comedy Central has a gargantuan amount of video on their site, including most of the content from both of those great shows. If you haven’t tapped into these two phenomena, ComedyCentral.com will help you get caught up. And daily additions will help you stay caught up with the funny as well.
There’s a lot of humorous stuff on Comedy Central’s site, but these two shows alone should be plenty to help you Keep Smiling.
Have fun:
- The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
URL: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml - The Colbert Report
URL: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/index.jhtml
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Thanks for reading!
Publication Information
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The Simplifier is published by:
Project Simplify
P.O. Box 597
Nevada City, CA 95959
phone: 530.205.5775
web: www.projectsimplify.com
e-mail: (newsletter@projectsimplify.com) newsletter (at) projectsimplify (dot) com
