I know this title sounds so easy right? But, in reality the environment we live in today is anything but simple. Our time, energy and mind share is in constant competition with the world around us that has evolved so much over the past 30 years. Just think about this for a moment, I was reminiscing with my college buddies and two boys over the weekend and when I started college there was only the beginnings of programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Now look at the world with programs like A.I. and ChatGPT! Now, more than ever, we have to find ways to center ourselves around simple things that bring us joy, consistency and peace.

Growing up in western PA air conditioning was something that most families did not have because of the expense. My family was no different so to combat the “dog days” of summer we utilized a well accepted practice of having lots of fans. Additionally, my father prided himself on the very elaborate air flow strategy that evolved throughout the day depending on the positioning of the sun. This strategy included a very detailed orchestration of when certain doors and windows throughout the house needed to be opened and closed. There was also a house role that no one could close or open a door based on the configuration at that point in time or you would receive a stern warning from the “Fan master.” The only parallel I can draw is the complex nature of how blood pumps through the many valves and chambers of the heart.

I will never forget one particular fan that was the engine behind my fathers meticulous air flow. It was a Sears Kenmore fan, pea green with metal blades. This thing could produce enough lift to make a Blackhawk helicopter take off and would easily sever a finger off if you got too close. But, to this day I still remember the sound and the breeze that fan made on hot summer days. I would put the fan in the middle of our family room and just lay in front of it during those hot summer days after I played outside or delivered newspapers. What’s amazing to me is that I don’t remember at all how hot those summer days were, rather what I remember is the hum of that fan and the cool breeze. I remember the calm and comfort I felt in front of that fan and too this day I still like to sleep with a fan because it helps me find serenity and some level of inner peace.

Leadership takeaways:

1. Find your simple, it can be memories, it can be friends, family, faith or all of the above. These things are constant unlike money, social media recognition and fame.
2. Center on simple because simple things equal happiness and success. As I mentioned in my story, I have no recollection of how uncomfortable and hot those days were, all I remember is the simple hum and soft breeze of that fan. Reflect and take great satisfaction and gratefulness in the simple things around you like a sunset or a sunrise.
3. Your personal experiences create and etch your memories and you have control of how you observe and associate each experience. I could have viewed those days with the fan as positive or negative, meaning I could have focused on the heat of the day or the cool breeze from the fan. We all have a choice of where and how to focus. Concentrate on finding the good in each situation, in the end those memories will forge your attitude and your ability to endure difficult situations.