Helping People Simplify Life

People are busy these days. That is a true statement but it does not apply to everybody; it seems like some people work hard and others hardly work. Work, by a psychological definition, means the expenditure of time and energy.

By that definition, compensation is not included. Work is good, but too much work can be bad. The wrong kind of work can be disheartening. A bad work environment can be demoralizing. Lack of work can eat at a person’s self-esteem—especially men.

I am convinced that if we are physically able, we should be engaged in work. We don’t have to get paid. One of the subtle ways that work can debilitate us is when we try to do too many things. When this happens we often find ourselves stressed, overwhelmed, and discouraged. This can lead to burnout, feelings of hopelessness, and frustration that can give rise to anger. Life has, at this point, likely become more complicated in our minds that we can effectively handle. What can a person do? Simplify!

That sounds like such a straightforward solution, and it is. However, it is also very effective. A person can multi-task, but we cannot focus on too many things at the same time or life itself will get out of focus. The energy a person needs for living does not come from doing many things but from doing the things we can do effectively. Some things have to wait. We must say no to some things. Then, we can learn to simplify how we deal with the things we have to do.

Often, people who become overwhelmed with work or life struggle with trusting in the Lord’s control over things and in others’ ability to handle tasks. They believe that they have to control every last detail in order to effectively complete a project. As counselors, we should strive to help people realize that God is in control of our lives and help them relinquish their grip on things.

For most people this process of simplification will involve eliminating some things and scheduling other things. It will mean arranging life with the proper priorities. Matthew 6:33 is a good start; 1 Corinthians 10:31 will give us our proper motivation for whatever we do. Time with God is essential for a Christian. Our time of prayer, Bible study, worship, and meditation must not be sacrificed at the altar of all the things we do in church. The best Christian is not the busiest Christian but the one who does what he or she does well to honor and glory of Christ Jesus.

Simplifying life does not just relate to work environment or church. It can also relate to our hobbies or our households. Maybe a person has too many hobbies and is annoyed because they don’t have the time to do any of them in a way that brings fulfillment.

For most people a good spring cleaning of our “stuff” would do wonders for our state of mind. People usually feel better after they have thrown or given away what they don’t use and organized what they will or do use.

Simplify. It is such a basic thought and yet is can bring such positive rewards. Life is simply profound but we can strive to make it profoundly simple.

James Rudy Gray is certified as a professional counselor by the National Board
for Certified Counselors, and is a member of the American Association of
Christian Counselors. He pastors Utica Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C.