Keep things simple

“Making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” – Charles Mingus

When things feel difficult or overly complicated it helps to simplify our approach. Whether it is schoolwork, putting together a new desk, or installing software, slowing down and taking things one step at at time can make any task manageable. Like writing these columns, everything gets done thought by thought, line by line.

Working with students is always a matter of keeping things simple. When teaching a new concept, it is important to break it down and make it digestible in a way that demystifies what is being taught. It is easy to make things sound difficult. Finding ways to make things simple is what makes for good teaching.

Writing is an activity that can go from daunting to doable, by breaking the process down into smaller steps. Often the biggest challenge with students who have struggled with writing is their unwillingness to give it another try because they have bought into the idea that they are not capable of writing. This is not true. More than likely, they have overcomplicated it in their thinking. I have witnessed many students go from believing they were bad writers, to writing proficiently, in a short time. Walking students through the process is a joy. It is wonderful to watch their faces light up as they crack the code and write a good essay. They get to redefine what is possible for themselves.

Like these young people, we all face challenges that feel overwhelming. The first step is too acknowledge our feelings. We can remind ourselves that it is normal to feel this way when starting out on a new adventure. Like bowing down before a mountain, we honor the majesty of the undertaking. From there, we can look around and find the path that will take us up the mountain. If a guide is in order, we can easily reach out to find the proper guidance because we are coming from a place of inspiration, rather than desperation.

In our daily routine, it is the little things we do that make a big difference. Eating when we are hungry, or taking a short nap when we feel mentally exhausted, are essential if we want to live happy and successful lives. Calling someone to tell them we love and appreciate them can restore our peace of mind, and bolster our relationships. Putting an activity down for a while, and doing something to nourish ourselves, takes the pressure off of what we are trying to achieve. It allows us to see the simple steps that we miss when we are stressed out.

By slowing down and seeking simple solutions, rather than struggling with confusion, everything gets easier and our difficulties lose their personal sting. Approaching life in this way is effective and it affirms our worth. We remember that we do not have to achieve things to prove that we have value. We bring our value to the things we do, instead of attempting to get it from them.

If you have been struggling with life, slow down. Step back far enough to reclaim your balance and your power. When you do, you will receive the benefits of fresh inspiration and renewed confidence. Keep it simple. Take one step at a time. You got this.

Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com or send an email to:  EdwardBiagiotti@ccusd.org