You’re overcomplicating it.
You’re Overcomplicating It
The Simple Truth
I know you’re overcomplicating things, because everybody does. Including me, the nerd who studies this stuff for a living. We tend to get caught up in the minutiae and lose sight of the bigger picture.
A Personal Story
Recently, I shared a story on Threads (and Instagram) about how I was feeling discombobulated and sluggish in the morning, struggling to focus. I asked myself where I was overcomplicating things and could simplify. The answer was simple: I was trying to juggle too many things at once.
Getting Back to Basics
I went back to basics. I got some exercise, ate a balanced dinner (protein, vegetables, mini potatoes), and put down the phone. I turned off the TV and climbed into bed at a reasonable time. Instead of scrolling social media, I read some of Matt Haig’s new book, "The Life Impossible," and then went to bed. Weirdly, I woke up feeling like a million bucks. I had no problem focusing on my work, and I felt better.
The Power of Simplicity
It works. Crap. Many companies manufacture complicated problems to sell us complicated solutions. "Be afraid of this ingredient, balance your gut microbiome, take these expensive supplements, do this complicated workout, buy this expensive mattress and mask and glasses and machine, only eat between 12:17pm and 7:34pm!" Here’s your friendly reminder to go hard in the direction of simplicity: Eat the right number of calories for your goal weight. Eat protein, fruits, and vegetables. Strength train 2-3x per week. Go for walks. Put down the phone and go to sleep.
Why Simplicity is Hard
If the scale isn’t going down, reduce calories consumed. Full stop. Once we accept that the solution is simple (but not easy), we can figure out why we can’t get ourselves to do it. This is the far more important question. We have hormones and kids and jobs and messy fights with our spouses and we’re all overwhelmed with inputs and information 24-7. Of course, doing these things isn’t easy! We don’t need to make it harder by focusing on the complicated. Instead, we need to remember that the simple solution is the right one, and put our focus on making that behavior the default one.
The Starter Guide
Speaking of which, Coach Matt Myers from Team NF put together a new resource that dives into both aspects of the above: how to eat and how to train, AND how to get yourself to do those things. It’s our Starter Guide: how to eat and how to train, AND how to get yourself to do those things. You can download it free here at the top of our Free Guides page.
Conclusion
Simplifying your life is not about being lazy or unambitious. It’s about being smart and focused. It’s about recognizing that the simple solution is often the right one, and putting your energy into making that behavior the default one. Remember, simplicity is not easy, but it’s worth it.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I’m overcomplicating things?
A: Take a step back and assess your habits and behaviors. Are you trying to juggle too many things at once? Are you focusing on the complicated rather than the simple?
Q: What are some simple habits I can start implementing today?
A: Start by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Put down your phone and turn off the TV. Read a book or take a walk instead.
Q: Why is simplicity so hard to achieve?
A: Simplicity is hard to achieve because we’re often overwhelmed with inputs and information 24-7. We have hormones and kids and jobs and messy fights with our spouses, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But simplicity is worth it, because it’s the key to achieving your goals and living a happy, healthy life.
