Think Simple Now — a moment of clarity

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Video: The Power of Language + News

Hello. I’m trying something new. Sharing “big ideas” on video — ideas I’ve found helpful, inspiring or empowering. Check it out:


Click here to watch it on YouTube,

One of the many things I admire about my husband is that he is very prone to taking action. He doesn’t stay stranded for long talking in circles about what he wants. He will consider thoughtfully about what he wants, mention it once, and then he’ll go out to do something about it.

Over the last few months, Jeremy has been obsessed with filmmaking using digital SRL cameras. He is a still photographer by profession.

One day, he came home with a proposal to invest some of our money in photo gear, so that he can learn at home, and get better. Knowing how important it is to develop our passions, I agreed.

A week later, two large boxes showed up at our house. That same night, after Ryan went to bed, he excitedly unpacked everything, and set it all up in our kitchen. He dragged me out of my office, and said, “Honey, let’s do a video!”

I didn’t have any time to panic or have the opportunity to reject him, because he had already set up everything and was so eager to do something about the drive he felt inside. I did buy myself some extra time with the excuse that I had to go put on lipstick, and run my hair quickly through the curlers.

I didn’t have time to plan what to say, which is a good thing, because I could then talk spontaneously instead of it sounding like a memorized ridged speech. I just started blabbing about a simple idea that Marie Forleo reminded me of—The power eliminating the word “Can’t” from our vocabulary. The result is in the video above. I hope you like.

Even though I was nervous at the beginning, and still cringing as I watch this now (we’re so critical of ourselves), I’m really glad I did it. I was given an opportunity to face a fear, backed by heavy spousal peer pressure, and I did it. In the end, it wasn’t that bad. And if I could give advice to my younger self from a week ago, I’d say to her, “Girlfriend, self-consciousness is over rated. It’s all in your head. Just relax and be yourself.”

Lately, I’ve been working consciously to do things outside of my comfort zone. For example, I started doing podcast audio messages in the TSN Insider newsletter. The audio recordings gave me more confidence in exploring more things that made me uncomfortable—like video messages.

I guess the message of today is two fold:

1. Just Do It

If you want to do something, just do it. Don’t over plan it. Don’t over think it. If you do, you’ll never get started.

Just dive in and test the waters. Truth is, thinking about the things that scare you take more energy than if you just go out and do it. Just dive in, take that next step and see where you end up.

2. The Power of Language – Can’t vs. Won’t

Notice your language as you describe your daily situations. Did you really mean that you can’t do it when you said “I can’t” or did you actually mean “I won’t”, “I’m not willing to”, “I don’t want to”?

The actual words you use to describe what is happening can either create possibilities for you or will become a roadblock. The choice is up to you. I vote for the option that can create possibilities.

Site News

We have some latest happenings at the happy headquarters of TSN.

1. Work Awesome

Think Simple Now has a new brother. His name is Work Awesome. Earlier this month, I acquired this popular blog in the productivity and work-life balance space from the team at Envato.

The interesting story is that I found it while I was procrastinating on finishing the book project I’m currently working on (you know how we do that? Ie. Browse facebook when we’re under a deadline at work.).

Instead of browsing facebook, I like to browse websites for sale sites. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that the highly reputable Envato had listed two of their web properties in auctions to be sold.

I immediately contacted the CEO of the company with a simple proposal –why I would be the ideal person to take over ownership. I figured that I have nothing to lose by asking and proposing. “What’s the worse that can happen? He says no? Not a big deal. At least I tried.

To my surprise, he said yes to my proposal, and over the span of the next 5 days, we closed the deal and I was the proud new “mama” for this awesome site.

Lessons from this story? Putting yourself out there, being audacious, and asking for what you want will often pay off in that you end up getting what you want (or better).

Our Chief Spiritual Evangelist, Pooja, will be managing the editorial content on Work Awesome. Periodically, I will share articles on workawesome.com on topics related to productivity, career advancement, business and time-management tips.

How does this change TSN? It doesn’t. TSN will continue to be a place of personal reflection and life inspiration. While Think Simple Now is focused on being happy with our personal life, Work Awesome is focused on being happy at work. I see the two sites as complimentary to each other—touching upon two major areas of our life.

Want to be awesome at work? Subscribe to workawesome.com here (via email), like us on facebook, follow us on twitter, and join the mailing list (for less frequent updates).

2. Personal Sabbatical

As announced on the Insider Newsletter, I am taking the next two weeks off to recharge, to relax, to re-connect with me and to reflect (on what I want to do with my life).

My focus over the next two weeks will be to take care of myself, something I have not done in a long time. I miss connecting with me, and look forward to it.

Until then, this site will be quiet.

However, we have over 150 insightful personal reflective stories on this site. If you are looking for something to read, or some inspiration, or a topic to reflect upon, check out our extensive archive.

Not sure where to start? Here are some hand picked articles:

More articles…

More (recent) articles …

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About the author

Tina Su is a mom, a wife, a lover of Apple products and a CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) for our motivational community: Think Simple Now. She is obsessed with encouraging and empowering people to lead conscious and happy lives. Subscribe to new inspiring stories each week. You can also subscribe to Tina on Facebook.

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