Why you need to stop over complicating things

Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE #160

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

We’ve all done it—turned a simple explanation or decision into a full-blown analysis, merrily overthinking until we’re paralyzed by options.

Life often glorifies complexity: the more complicated, the more impressive, the more sophisticated something is (or appears to be), the bigger and better we believe it to be.

As a society, we’ve become blinded and bamboozled by flash, by glam, and by more.

We see it in the lives of people who must get the biggest TV possible, or the biggest house, or the fullest investment portfolio.

And we see it—in fact, we’ve been brainwashed into insisting in it—in the people we promote to insane levels of influence, and in the shallow, ineffective, unqualified people we elect to positions of extraordinary power.

We make these mistakes again and again, thinking that this time that it will be different. Thinking that this time, the greater complication will improve things.

But here's a hard truth: life doesn't need to be as complicated as we make it.

At its most basic level, the world is simpler than we think it is. The more we’re willing to strip away the unnecessary layers, the more clarity and the greater the satisfaction we usually find.

Whether it’s because we get caught up in chasing perfection, or navigating intricate social dynamics, or in trying to control every aspect of our lives, the more we add, the more we lose sight of the straightforward simplicity that lies beneath the surface.

So, we need to take a step back. We need to stop overcomplicating things, and we need to start embracing a simpler, more fulfilling way of living, loving, working, and thinking.

Here are a few thoughts on how to do that:

1. Simplify decisions

The average person makes thousands of decisions a day—some large, many small. But we often agonize over the most trivial choices.

What to eat for lunch, which brand of toothpaste to buy, what to wear to a casual event.

These choices don’t deserve the mental energy we give them. Streamline your decision-making by setting routines, simplifying your options, and trusting your instincts.

Your brain will thank you.

2. Declutter your space

A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind.

Physical clutter can overwhelm us, distract us, and drain our energy.

Take time to declutter your home, your desk, your digital spaces.

Keep only what adds value or joy to your life.

The less you have to manage, the less mental space you need to dedicate to things that don’t truly matter.

3. Stop trying to please everyone

We all have a natural desire to be liked, but constantly trying to win approval from others adds unnecessary complexity to our lives.

You can’t control other people’s opinions, and trying to do so will leave you constantly juggling multiple versions of yourself.

Focus on what aligns with your own values, and let go of the pressure to meet everyone else’s expectations.

4. Focus on what truly matters

We often fill our days with obligations, distractions, and small tasks that don’t move us forward.

Reflect on what really matters to you—your relationships, your passions, your health—and prioritize those.

Let go of the non-essential activities that dilute your time and energy.

Life becomes simpler when you align your daily actions with your core values.

5. Create simple systems

The more complex our systems and routines become, the more we set ourselves up for failure.

Whether it’s organizing your finances, managing a project at work, or keeping track of personal goals, simplicity is key.

Create simple, easy-to-follow systems that streamline your life rather than complicate it. Automate where possible and reduce decision fatigue.

6. Stop overthinking

Overthinking often prevents us from taking action and makes problems seem bigger than they are.

We analyze every angle, anticipate every worst-case scenario, and sometimes end up paralyzed by indecision.

Practice embracing imperfection and making quicker, more decisive choices.

Trust yourself and your ability to adjust along the way.

7. Ditch drama

Drama, whether it’s in our personal relationships, at work, or in our social circles, adds layers of stress and distraction.

We don’t need to take everything personally or engage in every conflict.

Choosing peace over drama simplifies your life in ways you can’t imagine.

Stay focused on what’s important and let the noise fade into the background.

8. Embrace minimalism in technology

We live in a world of constant notifications, endless apps, and an overwhelming digital landscape.

Instead of succumbing to tech addiction, streamline your digital life.

Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, limit screen time, and use fewer apps.

Simplifying your technology usage not only saves you time, but also reduces mental clutter.

9. Build strong, simple habits

Because major shifts in thinking and behaviour can be difficult to wrap our minds around, it’s better to make smaller changes over time.

Focus on simple, positive habits—like drinking more water, walking daily, or practicing mindfulness—that compound over time.

When you focus on building small, sustainable routines, the complexity of achieving large goals disappears.

10. You can’t control everything

One of the most complicated aspects of life is our desire to control outcomes.

We worry about things beyond our reach: how others behave, the economy, or the weather.

So, rather than focusing on the things you have little influence over, recognize you can’t control everything and instead, focus on the things you can control—your actions, your thinking, your behaviors, your attitude, and your responses to situations and events.

When you release the need for control, you free yourself from unnecessary stress.

The world is, at its heart, much simpler than we often make it out to be.

Accept this and let it go.

We layer complexity on top of our lives, often out of habit or fear of missing out, but the truth is that simplicity is often the key to clarity, peace, and effectiveness.

By letting go of unnecessary distractions, choosing simplicity in our decisions, and focusing on what truly matters, we can make life more straightforward—and far more enjoyable.

So let’s stop overcomplicating things.

Life is already complicated enough without us adding to the chaos. Simplify, streamline, and embrace the power of less. You might just find that in doing so, you’re able to live more fully, more intentionally, and with far more peace.

As always, thanks for reading.

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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Yes, people are listening.