How many times have you looked at an over-flowing closet, an over-booked calendar, and examined the newest wrinkles on your formerly flawless face and resolved to simplify your life? How’d that plan work out for you? If it had been completely successful you would not be reading this article.
There are only two reasons why you are not living a blessedly simple life today. Either (1) you are giving yourself lip service but in reality think your life is pretty much okay as it is, or (2) the methods suggested to help you simplify your life are too complex themselves to implement.
It is an amusing observation that most articles and programs designed to help others simplify their lives begin with a daunting task or involve complex steps that pretty much guarantee failure from the outset.
Kahlil Gibran said, “The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply.” So, let me state the obvious, your quest for simplicity will only be a success if it is a simple process.
Start Simple, Stay Simple
Many experts suggest you write a definitive statement about what is or is not important to you as the first step toward simplicity. Huh? That would stop me cold in my tracks from the get-go. Too tough… “I’ll do it when I have more time to devote to becoming simple.”
You don’t start with the big picture, you begin with what bugs you the most or what is directly in front of you at the moment. Are you spending too much time on housework? Then look at the shelves closest to you and decide what you need and what your love. Pitch or donate the rest. Start simple, stay simple.
Is your budget blown by the middle of the month? Thinking of going out for a bite to eat tonight or maybe catching a movie? A can of chunky soup and a chewy roll in front of the television is cheap. Make every decision an informed one - and gradually life will become less about what you don’t have time, money, or energy to do - but what you love to do.
Organizing
When will you really have a window in your schedule to clean and clear out the garage? Why wait? Take a fifteen minute ‘simplicity break’, go out to the garage and look at one spot. Make decisions; what is needed and what is loved? Pitch or donate the rest.
It you just need to organize simply begin one shelf or corner at a time. If there are four corners, by the time you take four simplicity breaks all corners will be handled.
Keep it Simple, Shall we?
Everyone knows the KISS Principle, I just like to state it in a more positive and polite manner. Set yourself up for success, not failure. Know if you really want to simplify or if you are only accepting the guilt someone else is laying on you.
If you’re done wasting time, energy, and money by an overly complicated life then begin to change it. Do it simply and without angst or guilt. Do it one tiny decision at a time.
How do you get started? Read How to Simplify Your Life and Relationships by Asking Yourself This One Question.
Now, simply begin…
Lynn Baber - Lynn Baber, Christian writer specializing in leadership, relationships, and all things equine.
Join the Conversation