Remember when things were simple? No? Maybe things have always seemed complicated to you.

For example, I remember sending my very first fax. At the time, I worked in an office where documents were sent through the mail – snail mail, that is. We came to understand the time it took to get something somewhere, and we accepted it as part of our process, and acted accordingly. The fax machine was my first hint of the world’s preoccupation with all things fast.

Today, when the internet is not moving at nano-speed, as swiftly as what I’m accustomed to, I get irritated and whiny. I am so dependent on technology that when something goes wrong, it becomes an ORDEAL. It’s funny how something designed to simplify has become so complicated.

2010 is my year to simplify. Here are some new practices I’m putting into place:

1. Limiting dependence on technology (turning power OFF on Blackberry, leaving laptop in office, going to coffee shop with a book instead of a gadget).
2. Donating or recycling 20% of all my belongings, one category at a time (clothing, household, books)
3. Adding extreme focus to fewer areas, rather than minor focus to many areas.
4. Slowing every conversation down, listening more intensely.
5. Resisting the urge to buy stuff.
6. Remember to be grateful in the most challenging moments.
7. Release the useless stories that don’t serve me.
8. Mix work with play every day.
9. Forgive everything.
10. Ask for help.

These practices are just that – practice. New habits replace old ones but only if I practice them. And practice isn’t always perfect. So if you see me in a coffee shop with my laptop, just smile and give me that look, and I’ll know what you mean.

Can you think of more ways to simplify? We’d all love to learn from you, so leave your comments please.

Here’s to keeping it simple!

Coach Charrise