The tagline for my company, ADD Mangement Group, is "Simplify. Focus. Succeed." That's because overcomplicating things is a major problem for adults with AD/HD. It's difficult to focus when there are too many ideas, too steps, or too many choices. Simplifying things makes focus, and action, much easier.
I'm guilty of overcomplicating things, too. I've gotten pretty good about simplifying things, but I'm sometimes surprised at how I overcomplicate little things in my life that really should be, well... simple.
Take, for example, choosing what to order at a restaurant. It's often the most difficult decision of my week. Or which room to start with when I'm straightening up the house. Or how about this for a great example of overcomplicating things?: I struggle to keep these blog posts short, sweet, and thought-provoking, rather than feeling like I need to explain every nuance of the topic at hand.
When the little things seem unbearably difficult, it's time to simplify.
It's helpful to slow down in the middle of the overcomplicated mental chaos and ask yourself, What is the end result I want to accomplish? I want to have a satisfying meal that fills me and tastes really good--which option is more likely to get me there? I want to put away all the things that are out of place in my home so I feel more comfortable--which room is causing me the most stress? What am I trying to communicate to my readers--what do I NOT have to say to communicate that?
Now it's your turn. What are you overcomplicating? What can you ask yourself to simplify the situation, focus on action, and experience success? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What don't I over complicate Jen? I'm sitting here procrastinating on the internet trying to decide which form to fill out first, the boss's expense report or my 401k enrollment. So I asked myself which paper is more difficult and its the boss's (he never gives me the right receipts) so best to start there and get it done!
Posted by: Barbara | Monday, November 01, 2010 at 02:54 PM
I overcomplicate everything! What comes to mind strongly is dinner. I make it so hard. I put it off so long than I end up rushing. I know I need to plan the menu in advance. It makes things more simple AND takes the pressure off. You taught me that! I could also ask myself what is the healthiest dinner I can make tonight or what is the easiest dinner I can make depending on how much time I have. It is about slowing down and thinking first. I will remember that this week.
Posted by: Karen B. | Monday, November 01, 2010 at 03:56 PM
I did it! I just made a menu for the week of dinners! Simplifying! :)
Posted by: Karen B. | Monday, November 01, 2010 at 04:01 PM
And I realize I am doing it! Argh! I just can't seem to be able to make things easy for myself! Especially paperwork! I need to be better with the self talk and be a better cheerleader for myself!
Posted by: Jen | Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Barbara - Glad this post helped you get moving, and hope the paperwork wasn't too painful!
Karen - Way to go! We also do much better around here when dinners are pre-planned.
Jen - More self-talk and positive messages is a good plan! We all do the best we can, so don't be too hard on yourself. :)
Posted by: Jennifer Koretsky | Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Funny thing... this is what I get slammed on at work. But I see the results of over-simplifying when my department has to redo a project because managers didn't think it out.
There's probably a middle ground. I try to do the GTD method of writing out exactly what I have to do to keep on track.
Posted by: DougEShirts | Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 06:55 PM