I was working on a project with my wife recently, and she said, “we need to make sure this is done ASAP.” I assumed she meant ‘as soon as possible,’ but she said, “we need to do this as simple as possible.”

I thought, wow, that is really good. I should share that idea because we could all benefit from completing our projects ASAP - as simple as possible!

When you’re watering your bamboo in your career and life, it’s a good idea to simplify, otherwise you’ll have no energy left for watering your Bamboo. Think of it as weeding the Bamboo Garden. You don’t want weeds because they will take all the nutrients your bamboo needs to grow. When things are too complicated you can feel overwhelmed and frustrated. To accomplish your goals, it’s best to simplify.

We have to be more deliberate and systematic about simplifying our lives. It will help you be more effective and efficient and give you peace of mind because you’ll be balanced and calm. Luckily, there are many ways to simplify your life, and here are six strategies I’d like to share with you:

Clarify Your Goals and Values
When you are clear about your goals, values, and vision for your life, it’s easier to cut activities that don’t fit your values and vision.
Stop and Think About ASAP
Don’t overcomplicate your projects. Get to the core of your projects and think about how you can make them as simple as possible.
Remove Obstacles That Make Your Life More Complicated
Remove the weeds from your garden. What’s getting in the way of watering your bamboo? Eliminate any and all activities that are not serving you or others.
Stop Majoring in Minor Activities
We often spend too much time on minor activities that are not nourishing to us or our Bamboo. Eliminate the busy work and nonwork (cute cat videos) and work on your top priorities.
Stop Trying to Do All Things
Do what’s important to you. Don’t fall into the trap of FOMO or being all things to all people. Focus on Watering Your Bamboo! You have 168 hours a week; use your time strategically.
Take a Retreat
Taking a retreat specifically to think about simplifying your personal and work life can help you gain clarity and perspective. During the retreat, ask yourself how you can make life simpler and determine what activities you can cut. Make the retreat part of the watering process, and schedule simplify retreats for yourself routinely.