Thinking Simplicity

Thinking Simplicity is a principle that guides me in how I go about my daily routine. It evolved after a session that I attended on storytelling. Recently I was asked about the theme that I see emerging from engagements I do as part of my profession. The answer that I see emerging is, how to make things simple.

Let's look at now what I mean by making things simple. It has been inspired by Richard Feynman's famous technique known as ELI5 - Explain like I am 5. What it means is If I can explain any idea to a child who is 5 years old and if he can understand it then I have simplified the idea enough and can be told to any other person,.The idea behind ELI5 is to explain something in the simplest terms possible so that someone with absolutely no background in the topic can understand the main point.

Now let's look at how this applies to me as I go about my daily routine. To make things simple, I needed to reduce my choices. This has helped me tremendously as I think about simplicity.

Here are some examples of how I have reduced my choices:-

• Prioritize what is important for me - Block my calendar for activities that I want to focus on throughout the day and protect my calendar fiercely

• Break down any activity into simple concepts and act upon it

  • Running is about getting out and strength training

  • Controlling what I eat by focusing on nutrients and intake

  • Focusing mind is about discipline

• Limit the information which I gather by limiting what I read and whom I listen to

  • Reduce Social Media exposure to almost zero which means only essential Whatsapp groups to start with

  • Don't be driven by algorithms e.g. use lists on Twitter

• Follow the same routine and a fixed timetable - whether it is in my daily routine, where to take a vacation, who do I run with, where do I run

  • In the morning, as soon as I am up, I will go out for a run and/or meditate

  • To follow my 'No Sugar' principle, I have a cup of hot milk

  • Breakfast is driven by protein intake and my choices have been reduced to only 2 items

  • Eat what is locally available and as per season

  • On clothes, you have only one color in your wardrobe

  • Do boring things daily

• If I have to go to a place locally either walk or take a local conveyance

• Reduce virtue signaling
  

I would love to hear your thoughts on it.