Simplicity is Subjective


The term “simplicity” gets thrown around a lot these days, much like its sister terms “zen” and “minimal”. While there certainly is a definition to the word, simplicity’s true meaning is derived by only one person.

You.

I may find using an electronic method of productivity management a simple way to keep track of things. You may find using a notebook is what works for you because you’re not all that adept with technology.

I may get up bright and early in the morning because it makes my day simpler; I get my work done first thing and have the rest of the day to do with as I choose. You may be a night owl whose work is done better after 10 pm. It comes easier to you that way. Your work becomes simpler for you when you work in the later hours.

My desk is sparsely covered with only the barest of essentials. Your desktop is equipped with a filing system and every implement that may come into play during your workday. Mine is set up that way because my work flow is simplified with less of what I consider “clutter”. Yours is simplified because everything you need is at your disposal, making your workday flow constantly.

My version of simplicity isn’t your idea of the term, nor is yours representative of the person in the next cubicle over.

Once you figure out what works best for you, you’ll figure out what your version of simplicity is. Once you do that, your version of simplicty will no longer just be subjective.

It will also allow you to better reach your objectives.

 


Mike Vardy an editor on Work Awesome. We could tell you where his personal productivity parody site, Eventualism and all of his other projects reside on the web, but you'd be best served going to Vardy.me and following the trail of virtual bread crumbs from there.

Discussion

  1. Sahil Parikh on the 9th November

    So very very true! We encounter this on a weekly basis with DeskAway (an app that helps to delegate and track work) – some people find things really simple and other find it hard. Simplicity is so subjective!

  2. Gabriele Maidecchi on the 11th November

    In the end it’s like every tip each of us read around the various blogs: each of them shouldn’t be followed blindly, but adapted in your own personal way for maximum results.
    We all have different needs and standards after all.

  3. VF on the 21st November

    True!

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