When you keep it simple, you can normally accomplish anything.
This holiday season, millions of people are traveling all around the world. There will be obstacles, delays, and cancellations. There will undoubtedly be disappointments, but if we look close enough, there will also be sweet, subtle surprises. These are K.I.S.S. moments.
Chances are, we’ve all been told to “Keep It Simple Stupid” at some point in our lives. But, as our knowledge base increases, our pace quickens, and our leadership spheres widen, the natural tendency (and trap) is to “out-think” the situation.
Bring a simple calming presence to any travel issue
As we enter the crowded spaces in our world, what if we could keep it simple. Would it be a calming presence to others along our path? What difference could we make to the frenzy at the ticketing counters, the exhausted airline employee, or the stressed-out traveler? The K.I.S.S principle seems simple, but it is often the most difficult for us to actualize. Yet, it is our simple, small, intentional actions that begin to transform the spaces we move in and out of every day.
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On your next trip, try to K.I.S.S. those along your path with a new spirit.
K – Keep eye contact. It is amazing how empowered another human being can feel when they sense your eyes value them and that moment.
I – Include others. We build too many walls when bridges are needed. Let someone go in line ahead of you.
S – Slow down. In a fast-food culture and world of instantaneous communication, allow yourself a few minutes to be still and centered. When we don’t, we race recklessly past people on our path.
S – Send positive ripples. Intentionally send messages rooted in appreciation, celebration, and compassion to those around you.
So, who will you K.I.S.S. along your journey today?
The simpler you keep anything, the more success you will find. According to Wikipedia, the principle was initiated by the US Navy.
The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson.[3] The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by 1970.[4] Variations on the phrase include: “Keep it simple, silly”, “keep it short and simple”, “keep it simple and straightforward”,[5] “keep it small and simple”, “keep it simple, soldier”,[6] or “keep it simple, sailor”.
– Jason Barger, Author, Speaker, Consultant, and creator of the Step Back from the Baggage Claim Movement
Lips photo by Cesar La Rosa on Unsplash
Jason Barger spent seven straight days flying 6,458 miles to seven different cities – without leaving the airports the entire time. He studied 10,000 minutes of observations at all four corners of the U.S. and reflected on how our airport experiences can teach us about our lives TODAY. The funny and inspiring stories remind us how to change our daily world in our personal lives, businesses, schools, and faith communities! Join the movement. All four editions of Step Back from the Baggage Claim are motivational books perfect for anyone looking to impact change in their life and work.
