In January I contributed a post on ChurchCreate.com about keeping things simple, especially in areas where ministry and creative media converge.
And, since that post, this entire concept of “simple” has been inescapable.
When I meet with someone to discuss their social media or web strategy, it’s there.
When I want to “go big or go home”, Simple taps me on the shoulder.
Why Simple?
I ask myself that same questions every day. Why do I start off here and then go back to Simple? Why is it that no matter the direction or avenue I’m after, Simple always seems to take the cake?
Some may say that it’s laziness or lack of ingenuity. I don’t agree with that at all.
The reason Simple always wins isn’t because it’s easier (although it often is), it’s because Simple flows. It falls into the rank and file of our world. It makes sense.
You have to get what I’m about to say here; so shut out whatever distractions you need to in order to read this next sentence and get it.
Simple will only happen when you stop looking for it.
Make Room
I seriously considered ending this post with that last sentence. I thought it would be poetic. You know, to keep a post on Simple well, simple. Then I thought better of it, and honestly in this instance thought it more lazy than poetic to conclude there. Thus, I’d like to focus the remaining characters on how we can invite Simple into our creative processes and lives, and even let it stick around.
Choice
In April I turned 30. Around the middle of February I realized that not only was I about to cross into another decade, but that I was also less than the picture of physical health that I had envisioned myself being. I knew I had to make a choice: Was I going to continue on the road of health I’d chosen of eating too much, sleeping too little and exercising rarely, or was I going to make lasting changes that would effect each of those areas positively?
I video-blogged about it and called it 30 x 30 (30 pounds by my 30th birthday). I’ll save you the searching to find out how it went: I lost 10 pounds and that was it.
It wasn’t until I made the choice that lasting changes needed to happen that I really did something. I had to choose water over that late night snack. I had to choose to not take that extra spoonful. I had to choose to only make one trip to the potluck table.
I know, you think I’ve lost it and are wondering what this has to do with media.
We have to choose Simple. That’s why I asked you to remove any distractions before. Our freshest ideas, our most creative notions will only come when we’ve chosen to focus our attention to where they are found.
Four Simple Steps to Simple
1. Shut it off.
The TV, the computer, the smart phone, the mp3 player. Shut it all off.
2. Walk away.
Shut it off and then walk away from it. Remove the temptation to turn it back on by leaving the room, or leaving it in the room and going to another.
3. Work it out.
However you process things, do that. If it’s verbally, talk with your spouse about it. I’m serious, that’s why God gave you a spouse. (If you say you process by punching it up on your computer or phone, get a pad of paper and do it there. It’s the same digital stimuli, and besides your penmanship could use some work — the ushers couldn’t read you check last week.) Just process and think and focus and meditate, BUT do it without electronic interference or with as minimal outside distraction as possible.
4. Repeat.
Take a break if you hit a wall. Do something physical to get your blood and endorphins going. Then come back.
Simple Will Stalk You
Just watch. In the coming weeks you’ll see Simple popping it’s head up everywhere. My hope is that you will embrace Simple and make the lasting changes to have it stick around for years to come.
In what ways will you make an effort to make Simple a part of your life?
It‘s quiet in here! Why not leave a response?