Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
– Confucius
I consider myself a minimalist.
Someone who wants to get rid of the superfluous things in life and focus on what brings meaning and value to life. This is in line with being pono – being righteous.
I recently read an article by Coach Zach Even-Esh on Being A Simple Man VS A Great Man, Same Difference?, and I totally agree with him. The longer I’m in the “Fitness Industry” the more I realize my heart wants LESS of this “Fitness Industry” that is going on today.
My na’au tells me to not be a part of it. I’m just no longer a fan because it has changed and not for the better. I’m more interested in being myself. A simple man.
Paulo Coelho said, “When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It’s very simple.”
That’s what helps when you become a great man. You focus on what makes you excited, your bliss. You shouldn’t need to try to be great, you should just be. If you follow your gut instincts, focus your energy in positive outlets, take care of your family and community, not worry about your reputation but instead strengthen your character, you will be great.
Simple right? Not quite, especially in a society that praises the ridiculous and those who claw for attention.
I struggle with it.
Maybe if I put out more products, post some ridiculous or scandalous content, write something that could be controversial just for the sake of being controversial then maybe more will notice what I’m doing here. I’ve had people tell me I have a horrible business plan because I would literally train people for FREE if I could and maybe one day I could make that possible.
I’ve been told I need to get open a big training facility, get more athletes and students to train, and that will help me make more money. I understand that’s running a business as a business but I’m also one that likes to work against the status quo. I am completely content with the strong group of individuals I coach today.
There’s this idea that the person with the biggest and best gym with the most clients is the most successful and living a happy life. I used to think that way but the more I learn and see, it’s the complete opposite.
It should be simpler than that. I want it to be simple with the focus on being Kū.
Steve Jobs said, “That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
Here, we focus on getting rid of the negative clutter that holds us back from becoming stronger and strengthen the things that bring meaning and value into our lives. It’s a process that we continuously must work at and learn from. But like Steve Jobs mention, “once you get there, you can move mountains.”
Maybe this is coming off as rambling or maybe you are nodding your head in agreement.
But, this is something very important and more of us need to be having this sort of dialogue. It is essential to simplify your life during this noisy and complex world.
Mahalo and Stay Kū.
