Lately, I’ve been sitting with this question: What actually prevents us from simplifying? Not just our schedules or our spaces—but our thoughts, goals, plans, and creative work.
Sometimes it’s fear. The fear of missing something essential if we strip things back too far. The fear of being seen as lazy, naive, and careless.
Other times, it’s the itch to tinker—to fuss and fix, to make something just a little bit better, even when it’s already good enough.
There’s also the belief that complexity equals value. That unless it was hard-earned, intellectually rigorous, or packed with moving parts, it doesn’t count. Enter: The Hustle.
Our resistance to simplicity isn’t merely circumstantial. It’s become entrenched as a mindset – a knee-jerk reaction – often rooted in fear, control, and perfectionism.
As highlighted in the Psychology Today article “Why Perfectionism Is a Trap”, perfectionism isn’t merely about striving for excellence. It’s often a preoccupation with avoiding mistakes and meeting unrealistic expectations—an exhausting cycle that leaves little room for clarity or simplicity.
I feel it. These days, as I juggle school, work, and everyday life, even the simplest tasks—like dishes, laundry, groceries—seem like sophisticated Project Management. I’ve completely forgotten what selfcare is supposed to look like.
Clarity becomes elusive when we don’t understand the true essence of what we’re trying to do. In that fog, we reach for more… instead of less.
So I’m asking myself, and now you too:
What are you afraid of losing by letting it be simple?
Journal Prompt:
What does “simple” look like in one area of your life right now? What fears arise when you imagine letting go of complexity?