Why We Make Things Harder for Ourselves
The Art of Over-complication
Ever found yourself staring at a simple task, only to realize hours later that you haven’t even started? Maybe you’ve imagined every possible way it could go wrong or convinced yourself you need to do ten other things first. You’re not alone. Many of us are masters at turning molehills into mountains. Let’s dive into why we complicate our lives and how we can stop.
Procrastination: The Villain in Disguise
Procrastination is the classic culprit. Instead of tackling the task head-on, we delay, thinking tomorrow will be a better day. Research shows that procrastination isn’t just about poor time management. It’s often linked to emotional regulation. We avoid tasks because they make us feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Example: You need to make a dentist appointment. Instead of calling, you think about how busy you are, how painful it might be, and end up scrolling through Instagram. The longer you wait, the more you dread it, imagining all sorts of horror stories.
Solution: Break the task into tiny steps. Instead of focusing on the whole ordeal, just pick up the phone. One step at a time makes it less intimidating.
The Illusion of Perfection
Perfectionism is another sneaky reason we complicate things. We believe everything needs to be perfect before we start or finish a task. This mindset leads to endless tweaking and delaying, making a simple task drag on forever.
Example: You want to start a blog. Instead of writing your first post, you spend weeks choosing the perfect theme, logo, and color scheme. The result? No blog post.
Solution: Embrace the concept of “good enough.” Aim for progress, not perfection. Remember, you can always improve later. The key is to start.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure can paralyze us. We imagine all the ways we could mess up, and this fear keeps us from taking the first step. We create elaborate plans and checklists, thinking if we prepare enough, we won’t fail. Ironically, this preparation often leads to inaction.
Example: You want to learn a new language. Instead of starting with basic phrases, you research the best textbooks, apps, and courses for weeks. The result? You still don’t know how to say “hello.”
Solution: Accept that failure is part of the process. It’s better to fail and learn than never to try. Start with small, manageable steps and build your confidence.
Overthinking and Analysis Paralysis
Overthinking is the arch-enemy of productivity. We get stuck in a loop of thinking and rethinking, analyzing every possible outcome and detail. This leads to analysis paralysis, where we’re so bogged down by details that we can’t make a decision.
Example: You need to choose a new project management tool for your team. Instead of picking one and trying it out, you spend weeks comparing features, reading reviews, and asking for opinions. Meanwhile, your team struggles without a tool.
Solution: Set a time limit for decision-making. Gather enough information to make an informed choice, then act. Remember, most decisions are reversible, and you can adjust as you go.
The Comfort of Routine
Sometimes, we complicate tasks because we’re stuck in our comfort zones. New tasks or changes disrupt our routine, making us uncomfortable. So, we find excuses to stick with the familiar, even if it’s less efficient.
Example: Your old laptop is slow and hampers your productivity. But the idea of setting up a new one feels daunting, so you keep using the old one, wasting more time and getting frustrated.
Solution: Push yourself to embrace change. Focus on the long-term benefits rather than the short-term discomfort. Often, the initial effort of adapting to something new pays off significantly.
The Myth of Multitasking
Many of us believe multitasking makes us more productive. In reality, it often leads to mistakes and takes longer to complete tasks. By juggling too many things at once, we complicate our workflow and reduce our efficiency.
Example: You try to answer emails during meetings, write reports while on calls, and end up making errors in both. Multitasking spreads your attention too thin.
Solution: Focus on one task at a time. Use techniques like time blocking to allocate specific times for different tasks. This way, you can give each task your full attention and complete it more efficiently.
Getting On With It: Simple Steps to Simplify Your Life
- 1. Prioritise Tasks: Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize. Tackle high-priority tasks first.
- 2. Don’t Set Deadlines: Do it Now! Deadlines are another method of procrastination. Just get it done. What you don’t finish you do next.
- 3. Eliminate Distractions: Identify and remove distractions that lead to procrastination.
- 4. Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect. Treat yourself with kindness.
- 5. Take Action: The best way to overcome fear and procrastination is to take action. Even small steps count.
Final Thoughts
We all have a tendency to make things harder for ourselves. By understanding why we do it, we can adopt strategies to simplify our lives. Remember, the key to getting things done is not about finding the perfect moment or having everything in place. It’s about starting, making progress, and adjusting along the way. So, next time you face a daunting task, take a deep breath, and just get on with it. Your future self will thank you.
Thanks for reading
