Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

simplified

Rob Wensing Rob Wensing strategist. apple expert. simplifier.

Rob Wensing co-founded Strategy Day, a one-day strategy process for leaders and their core teams that produces team alignment. He's appeared in various media outlets as an expert on Apple. [http://about.me/robwensing]

I place a lot of emphasis and importance on simplicity. The world around us has gotten pretty complex. Every time I’m presented with something, I tend to think about how it could be better or how it could be improved. Usually, I look at it in terms of how it could be simplified.

The improving side has always been part of me. While growing up, I always liked to tear things apart, especially electronics or anything mechanical. I think the people around me thought I did it because I wanted to see how things worked, which was maybe a little bit of it, but usually I did it because I thought I could rebuild it better – even though it didn’t always work out that way.

In my world, when I look at things and they’re too complex or don’t make sense, or if I’m communicating something in a way that’s too complex and unclear, that really annoys me. I know that about myself. But the other side of that tendency to be annoyed is that I have a really strong value of  simplicity.

I know when I’m off track or out of simplicity because I sense it. Sometimes I feel it as a rising stress level or an uneasiness about life getting too complicated. I’m the type of person who actually likes quite a bit of time by myself. I like to think. So the best way for me to refocus is to spend time alone thinking.

There’s a mentality in our society that more is better, which has people hoping to achieve some sort of happiness through accumulation. Peeling things back instead, not just for the sake of stripping things away, but to really identify what’s important and what’s not, is the key to happiness.

We tend to attach ourselves to the people who have the same beliefs we do. People are drawn to our purpose or our why. A way I know of to simplify or get closer to what you’re passionate about is to write a list on one side of a piece of paper of the companies or people that really inspire you. Then, on the other side, write down the things that really annoy you. That can trigger insight about your passions.

– Rob Wensing

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Laurette Lynn
    Laurette Lynn Laurette Lynn radio show host. writer. unplugged mom.

    As a radio show host, speaker, and writer, Laurette Lynn advocates independent home-education by encouraging parents to challenge the conventional assumptions of mainstream parenting and family living. [www.unpluggedmom.com]

     
  • Simon Sinek
    Simon Sinek Simon Sinek teacher. golden circle creator. why advisor.

    Simon Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. He created a simple model, The Golden Circle, that codifies what makes the most inspiring people and organizations so successful. [www.startwithwhy.com]

     
  • Jean Fain
    Jean Fain Jean Fain psychotherapist. hypnotherapist. veteran journalist.

    Author and psychotherapist Jean Fain uses hypnosis and mindfulness to treat everyday eating issues. She has dedicated her work to helping others keep physically, emotionally, and mentally fit. [www.jeanfain.com]

     
  • Ken Torino
    Ken Torino Ken Torino change encourager. appreciative friend. fresh starter.

    Ken Torrino is a web relations specialist for Elliman, brokers for New York City real estate. [www.elliman.com/new-york-city]

     
  • Susan Segal
    Susan Segal Susan Segal tv diva. parenting coach. re-energizer.

    Susan Segal has mastered the art of reinventing herself. She appeared on numerous television shows as an actress and as a lifestyle and fashion reporter. She runs her own parenting classes and combines various methods of child education.

     
  • Eric Lumiere
    Eric Lumiere Eric Lumiere Musician. Creator. Lover of Life.

    Eric Lumiere is a recording artist, producer, creator, and lover of life. From a place of authenticity, vulnerability, and truth, he creates universal art that moves, inspires, and lifts. [www.purevolume.com/ericlumiere]

     
  • Joan Shulman
    Joan Shulman Joan Shulman coach. empowered introvert. green thumb.

    A coach with a passion for introverts, Joan Shulman supports heart-centered professionals who love what they do but struggle to self-promote. She believes everyone possesses the innate wisdom needed to create fulfillment. [www.fullcirclelifecoach.com]

     
  • Dina Martinez
    Dina Martinez Dina Martinez comedienne. connecting diva. good will hunter.

    Dina Martinez, a transgendered, joke-telling renaissance woman, knows that if we are not given the life we want, it is up to us to create it. [www.dinamartinez.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Wallace J. Nichols
    Wallace J. Nichols Wallace J. Nichols ocean lover. conservation advocate. thoughtful dad.

    Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is a scientist, ocean advocate, writer, and dad. He knows that what moves us is connecting with something bigger than ourselves. His most recent endeavor is the Billion Baby Turtle Project. [www.wallacejnichols.org]

     
  • Agapi Stassinopoulos
    Agapi Stassinopoulos Agapi Stassinopoulos author. speaker. goddess.

    Author and speaker Agapi Stassinopoulos lectures and conducts seminars worldwide, empowering men and women to become more connected to their individual gifts. [www.thesevengoddesses.com]

     
  • Richard Rosenblatt
    Richard Rosenblatt Richard Rosenblatt entrepreneur. visionary. media man.

    As a serial entrepreneur and Internet visionary, Richard Rosenblatt co-founded Demand Media and is redefining the next generation of new media companies. [www.demandmedia.com]

     
  • Keidi Keating
    Keidi Keating Keidi Keating word-wise fundraiser. worldwide contributor. butterfly embracer.

    Keidi Keating is an editor, ghostwriter, and publisher. She is currently living between Spain and the United States. Along with The Light, she writes books that spread Loving and Light to the world. [thelightnetwork.com/thelight]

     
  • Tommy Rosen
    Tommy Rosen Tommy Rosen Yoga Teacher. Storyteller. Recovery Expert.

    Tommy Rosen is an expert in addiction and recovery, a gifted storyteller, and a certified yoga teacher. He helps people live more fulfilling, healthier lives.

     
  • Kate Bares-Johnson
    Kate Bares-Johnson Kate Bares-Johnson consciousness shifter. choice embracer. happy dancer.

    As an intuitive guide, transformative healer, author, and creator of Soul Integration Therapy™, Kate Bares-Johnson has developed a very real and powerful approach to life as a choice. [www.thecenterforwellbeing.com]

     
  • Stephanie Carter
    Stephanie Carter Stephanie Carter appreciative hairdresser. challenge survivor. silliness embracer.

    Stephanie Carter has been a hairdresser for 23 years. She loves making others even more beautiful than they already are! [johnsbarbershoptx.com]

     
  • Dan Lack
    Dan Lack Dan Lack people connector. summer camper. born traveller.

    Dan Lack created Meeting of the Big Minds, a summer camp for adults, bringing together 15 of the country's biggest dreamers and doers at a time to connect and collaborate at four-day retreats. [www.mbmclassic.com]

     
  • Arianna Huffington
    Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

    Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

     
  • Spencer Tweedy
    Spencer Tweedy Spencer Tweedy Musician. Photographer. Fan-tastical Writer.

    Spencer Miller Tweedy, 14-year-old musician, photographer, and blogger of fan-tastical exploits, performs regularly with his band The Blisters and has played the drums at Madison Square Garden. [www.spencertweedy.com]

     
  • Megan Maione
    Megan Maione Megan Maione tarot card reader. question asker. limit breaker.

    Megan Maione works with clients on clearing points of view, judgments, projections, and conclusions utilizing tarot. Her goal is to identify their targets while helping them be in allowance of the way things show up and integrating intuition. [www.tarotbymegan.com]

     
  • Nick Segal
    Nick Segal Nick Segal home finder. businessman. completer.

    Nick Segal is the president of Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage & Acquisitions. [www.thepartnerstrust.com]

     
  • Deepak Chopra
    Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra Author. Lecturer. Wellness Authority.

    Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing, a best-selling author, and the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. [www.chopra.com]

     
  • Lisa Arie
    Lisa Arie Lisa Arie innovative ranch owner. author. master navigator.

    Author Lisa Arie is a master at navigating the unknown. She founded Vista Caballo's Innovation Ranch, an exclusive self-discovery center for visionary leaders, thinkers, and explorers. [www.vistacaballo.com]

     
  • Wrenwyck Williams
    Wrenwyck Williams Wrenwyck Williams jet-setting exec. family guy. man of god.

    Wrenwyck Williams has been a highly sought-after corporate executive for the past 27 years and has served as president and CEO of multi-million dollar corporations. He is a devoted husband and father to two beautiful daughters. [www.babyfoodbook.net/book]

     
  • Abby Lodmer
    Abby Lodmer Abby Lodmer laugh giver. community embracer. comedic connector.

    Abby Lodmer traverses the world, bringing light and healing through humor. She's performed in comedy clubs around the globe, uplifting humanity through her show, Humor Healing Humanity. [www.humorhealinghumanity.com]

     
  • Bill Cumming
    Bill Cumming Bill Cumming director. supporter. kindness power plug.

    Bill Cumming is Director of The Boothby Institute. He supports individuals, children, and teachers in schools; prisoners; and YMCA and corporate staff in discovering the power of loving-kindness. [www.theboothbyinstitute.org]

     
  • Kimberly Cain
    Kimberly Cain Kimberly Cain performer. author. spiritual guide.

    Kimberly Cain is an intuitive spiritual guide, author, producer, and performer who's passionate about inspiring others to discover their own authentic voice. [www.KimberlyCain.com]

     
  • Joanne Abellera
    Joanne Abellera Joanne Abellera Artist. Designer. Knitting Machine.

    Joanne Abellera is the designer of KKIBO – a collection of one-of-a-kind handmade knitwear creations. [www.kkibo.net]

     
  • Joel Pelcyger
    Joel Pelcyger Joel Pelcyger education pioneer. classroom collaborator. inspired perspirer.

    Joel Pelcyger, a nationally respected educator, has served as Head of PS1 Pluralistic School since 1971 when he co-founded the independent elementary school in Santa Monica, CA. [www.psone.org]

     
  • Mindy Crary
    Mindy Crary Mindy Crary cash counselor. new reality creator. dream encourager.

    Mindy Crary has an MBA and works as a CFP practitioner and financial coach who helps her clients become a lot more educated (never inundated) about not only their money, but the whack job behind it. [www.creativemoney.biz]

     
  • Kamil Rustam
    Kamil Rustam Kamil Rustam Guitarist. Songwriter. Rhythm Rider.

    Kamil Rustam is a French guitarist, composer, arranger, songwriter, producer, and a prolific musician. [www.kamilrustam.com]

     
  • Terri Schneider
    Terri Schneider Terri Schneider triathlete. limit breaker. authenticity chaser.

    As an adventure racer, triathlete, ultrarunner, and mountaineer, Terri Schneider has raced and adventured in over 70 countries. She is the author of Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique, and Inspiration. [www.terrischneider.com]

     
  • Jay Jaboneta
    Jay Jaboneta Jay Jaboneta fundraiser. education advocate. school bus reinventor.

    Jay Jaboneta is the Fire Starter and Chief Storyteller of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Inc. They build boats for children in the Philippines who would otherwise swim to school. [www.jayjaboneta.com]

     
  • Anthony Capobianco
    Anthony Capobianco Anthony Capobianco martial artist. manifestor. stuff relinquisher.

    Anthony Capobianco is the founder of Zen Tea Traders where he shares his passion for tea with others through his company. [www.zenteatraders.com]

     
  • Ruth Grodek
    Ruth Grodek Ruth Grodek team builder. motivator. creator.

    Ruth Grodek founded Creation, a company that coaches senior management teams and individual leaders to be authentic, powerful, inspiring, and compassionate. [www.creation-uk.com]

     
  • Harold Mintz
    Harold Mintz Harold Mintz communications director. filmmaker. lifesaver.

    Harold Mintz is the Communications Director at Shady Acres Entertainment. In 2000, he became the first non-designated donor of a kidney, which changed the lives of both donor and recipient. [www.IAMthedoc.com]

     
  • Cecelia Fresh
    Cecelia Fresh Cecelia Fresh pr consultant. screenwriter. destiny designer.

    Cecelia Fresh is a communicator, founder of herself, and budding screenwriter. She's been fortunate to work for several great companies as a PR consultant. [http://about.me/Fr3shc0M]

     
  • Dr. Terry Gordon
    Dr. Terry Gordon Dr. Terry Gordon heart doctor. resilient dad. lesson seeker.

    Dr. Terry Gordon, a Cleveland Clinic–trained cardiologist who's nationally recognized in matters of the heart, practiced within mainstream medicine for over two decades. In 2002, he was named the American Heart Association's National Physician of the Year. [www.drterrygordon.com]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)