I strive to live by the KISS method — Keep It Simple and Strategic. (I prefer a positive statement, versus the traditional, Keep It Simple, Stupid.)
Simplicity makes it easier to learn and apply things that improve my life. Strategy helps me make wise decisions, instead of creating chaos or getting into fool-hardy situations.
One area where I use the KISS method is evaluating why I think what I think or feel what I feel.
Though technology simplifies many areas of my life, I still make use of old-fashioned processes for some important parts. I budget weekly with a hand-typed form I’ve used for over twenty years. And when looking at life strategies, I write out columns in a notebook, to help me visual my preferences.
Figuring out problems comes much easier when I map out what grates my nerves against what I’m grateful for.
Here’s an example of a few items that make my lists:
Things that Grate My Nerves
A sink full of dirty dishes
Feeling alone
Problems at work
Conflicts with others
Lack of Accomplishment
Delays
People Who Make Things All About Me
Things I can’t control
Things I’m Grateful For
Dishes that get dirty because we have food
Knowing God listens when I pray
Things that challenge me and keep work interesting
The joy of making up and resolving conflict
The chance to rest
Knowing God protects me even when I don’t see it
People who sacrifice for others
Trusting God is in control
Making comparative lists like these helps me see myself more clearly. With an unobstructed view, I can then understand how to move forward when new problems arise. Solutions usually wait for unveiling, and they are easily unsealed with a KISS.
How do you process information — with technology or old-fashioned methods? What strategies help you find solutions to things that bother you?
Anita FreshFaith

Colossians 4:2 (NIV1984)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Specialist, Certified Team Training Facilitator, Marketing Specialist, national speaker, and author. She lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.
She’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research.
Follow her FreshFaith blog or contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com
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