Stop Making Things So Complicated
Looking back on my journey, I see the same mistakes others are making today — mistakes I made in the past. I want to reach out to them and my former self, with this gentle reminder: "Stop making things so complicated!"
I’m not here to critique anyone else. Instead, this is about the ways I overcomplicated my own life. My biggest missteps came when starting something new: whether it was running, getting organized, blogging, tackling debt, or even the act of simplifying. I made things so complex that I either cringe or laugh looking back on it.
Yet, I know life is a learning process. Those mistakes helped me grow, and even now, I continue to learn. Let me walk you through three examples of where I went wrong and how I eventually found a simpler, more effective path.
Example 1: Productivity Overload
When I first wanted to be more productive, I stumbled upon a lot of "getting things done" systems. They were excellent systems, but I took it too far. It wasn’t long before the very system meant to help me became a source of overwhelm.
If I could give my past self a piece of advice, it would be this: Stop making it complicated. Productivity doesn’t require a dozen different tools or apps. Today, I know that simplicity is key. Now, it’s about picking the most important task for the day, clearing distractions, and starting. That’s it. I don’t need elaborate systems — just a simple focus on what truly matters.
Example 2: Financial Complexity
When I decided to tackle my debt, I went all-in. I downloaded financial software, made spreadsheets, set up schedules for payments, and tracked every little detail. I turned a straightforward goal into a maze of numbers and plans. It became exhausting, and the process itself started feeling like a debt to manage.
Now, I realize that getting out of debt is simple. First, cut out unnecessary spending. This takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not rocket science. Then, focus on paying down one debt at a time. Start small, like building a 10,000-peso emergency fund, and throw all extra money at one debt until it’s gone. Then move on to the next. No need for endless spreadsheets and apps — just a focused, straightforward plan.
When I decided to tackle my debt, I went all-in. I downloaded financial software, made spreadsheets, set up schedules for payments, and tracked every little detail. I turned a straightforward goal into a maze of numbers and plans. It became exhausting, and the process itself started feeling like a debt to manage.
Now, I realize that getting out of debt is simple. First, cut out unnecessary spending. This takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not rocket science. Then, focus on paying down one debt at a time. Start small, like building a 10,000-peso emergency fund, and throw all extra money at one debt until it’s gone. Then move on to the next. No need for endless spreadsheets and apps — just a focused, straightforward plan.
Example 3: Blogging Obsession
When I started blogging back in 2011, I spent countless hours researching platforms, themes, monetization strategies, and more. I wanted to do everything right. I thought if I picked the right tools or read the right advice, success would come quicker. But honestly, I was just spinning my wheels.
Now, it’s much simpler in my mind: Pick a topic, write, and hit publish. Don’t overthink it. Share your work on social media if you want, but the key is to focus on creating interesting or useful content. The readers will find you in time. Just keep writing, keep publishing, and keep it simple.
The Simplicity Rule
In all these examples, I made things complicated because I thought I had to. It felt like complexity equaled thoroughness, like more planning and more tools meant I was being more effective. But that wasn’t the case. What I’ve learned — and what I hope to share — is that while learning is essential, the doing doesn’t have to be complicated.
When starting something new, embrace the learning process, but also realize this: the simplest way is often the best way. Start with what’s important, cut out the distractions, and take action. You’ll learn more by doing than by endlessly preparing.
Life is simpler than we make it — we just need to stop complicating things.
In all these examples, I made things complicated because I thought I had to. It felt like complexity equaled thoroughness, like more planning and more tools meant I was being more effective. But that wasn’t the case. What I’ve learned — and what I hope to share — is that while learning is essential, the doing doesn’t have to be complicated.
When starting something new, embrace the learning process, but also realize this: the simplest way is often the best way. Start with what’s important, cut out the distractions, and take action. You’ll learn more by doing than by endlessly preparing.
Life is simpler than we make it — we just need to stop complicating things.
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