In life I believe we are given signs. In fact I literally saw mine walking to work. “Better, Not Bigger” flashed before me as the bus turned the corner and speed off.
Since then this “simple” message changed my perspective of life to its core; rippled through my business dealings, relationships, health, experiences and goals, to what I believe and doing so helped me to reveal the more authentic me.
K.I.S.S. an acronym for "Keep it simple, stupid" created for a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960.
This K.I.S.S. principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore simplicity should be a key goal in design and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
In fact I believe simplicity embodies elegance, wisdom, effectiveness and profitable.
I think I’m in good company here.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Leonardo da Vinci
“The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” Albert Einstein
While de-cluttering is the first step to simplify our lives, stopping here cheats from the best benefits, simplicity has to offer. Furthermore rebuilding something new, from less and that new something be of superior quality, is liberating, empowering and inspirational.
So while the saying “live more, with less” may sound like a paradox; the truth is, our very own human genetic design i.e. DNA is coded to identify, adapt evolve to be more efficient for us to better survive.
Recently I bench marked my progress of applying this KISS principle to my “Be Better, Not Bigger” edict, in my financial planning business. The review revealed both some expected and refreshing results.
Most importantly clients told me “they feel supported and more confident than previously and are on track to achieving their goals”.
I have also seen an increase in new client enquiries and increased bottom line profitability. Reassuring feedback from the people who pay our bills that “being better, not bigger” is a good business model for both them and us.
These results speak for themselves and are proof, that truly living this KISS (Keep It Simple) & “Be Better, Not Bigger” attitude is an elegant, wise, effective and profitable however the invisible effects have been even more nothing short of life changing.
Profound benefits discovered by simplifying my life:
Clarity
When you know what’s important you and you are making choices aligned to your core values, decisions are easy. From this place we can better filter out choices between what will helps us, hinders us or may harm us.
This is very different from having a life full of complexity, reactionary and emotional decision making. Our reactions set of a chain of events that affect others around us. Responding appropriately way often leads to a problem being resolved rather than becoming bigger.
Peace
Defined as freedom from disturbance and a time where there is no war or war has ended. Rather than chasing after the things important to others by focusing on what’s important to us we eliminate our distractions and we fast track the time and achieve our goals sooner.
Keeping my focus simple gives me the peace to focus on my clients more and continually find more ways deliver even more value to them.
Health
Stress is a known killer and depression is a black dog. We all know what we need to do to live a health life, so do it, don’t delay it. Studies have also shown that the less sedentary we are the less fat, junk food we consume and more we hydrate with water.
Consider this domino effect of exercising more, eating better, hydrating more, having more energy, less stressed and living life more would have on your relationships and decision making. 99% of the time improved health starts with getting outside and going for a walk.
Relationships
Be no place else, especially regarding your relationship with yourself, more than external relationships.
How we feel on the inside we express on the outside. Under anger is hurt, under hurt is fear, under fear is vulnerability. Vulnerability is the fertile soil where love, peace and growth is best developed.
Being in a relationship where you can be vulnerable without fear is deeply peaceful. Removing the distractions, over reactions and peer pressures; make time to reflect, talk, learn and deepening your relationships is the foundation of trust.
Confidence
Less distractions coupled with my choices in alignment with my core values buoys my confidence. This has not only sped up my decision making process it has also held me back from making poor decisions.
I have learnt to let go of what I can’t control and focus on what I can control.
Liberation
“Free at last, free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last!” leading on to greater emotional, intellectual and physical agility.
Today I am more motivated to do more of the things that only I can do and I receive a direct benefit from this simple choice. These include diving on the Great Barrier Reef, exercising, bush walking, quality time with friends & family, being more my authentic self and embracing new experiences.
Gratitude
Living with less gives greater appreciation for necessity and what is a luxury. Being grateful for real relationships, deep friendships, good health, honesty, considerate of others difficulties and helping where you can is both humbling and reassuring.
From this place I am less distracted by the flash, the ego and noise. I boast less and are deeply thankful for the opportunities and position I have been given to help others live a more fulfilling life.
Embracing a “Keep It Simple” edict isn’t easy and the majority of us will move on to something new and shiny, however the results I have discovered from my “Keep It Simple” and “Be better, Not Bigger” edicts has been profound, rewarding and valuable.
This post was written by Me, as such they are my personal views and not financial or general advice.
You should always seek independent financial advice when it comes to choices about your personal finances. This is one area of your life where it’s worth paying for it to be done right.
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