Three Ways to Simplify Life
It must have been in 7th or 8th grade when I heard about the KISS method for solving equations. The premise of this is that we shouldn’t overcomplicate things.
We can apply this to everyday life. Engineers, designers, teachers and people just like you and me use this method - sometimes unknowingly!
I have found that as I get older life seems to get more complicated. But when I look at some of my friends or family who have been through a lot more of life, I see how they have managed to simplify things. For many people simplification creates the space and time to do more important things. In short, it helps decrease stress and anxiety.
What is the secret to simplicity when there are so many variables and unknowns all around us?
I don’t have the key to solving this, but I do have a few suggestions based on my own experience and that of people I have observed.
#1 Find Your Track
Personally, I find comfort in creating structure or systems for the things I do in my daily life. You can call it a routine or a habit if you would like. I am not sure why my brain works this way, and it isn’t something that is restrictive in my personal or professional lives. In fact, it helps me simplify my day because I know what is coming next. It is how I keep my own mind and body on track.
I think that identifying what keeps you on track is important to simplifying your own daily routine. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same routine every day if it doesn't fit your needs. It means that there are certain things you know you need in order to be functional and present during the day. If those needs aren’t met, then you may find it more difficult to see things clearly and get things done.
If you have an idea of where you are going and you understand the requirements of getting there, you will be less likely to go too far off track!
#2 Declutter
When we think of clutter, we may think of things that are taking up space in our life. These could be physical things or things that take up our time.
I have been fortunate because I have moved a lot in my life. Some may not see this as being a positive thing, but for me, moving has provided a good way to declutter the things that I really don’t need or want anymore. Don’t get me wrong - there are plenty of items in my life that have gone many miles with me before I bid my farewell. It is a matter of deciding the right time and place to let something go, and that is a personal decision. For some people this takes a long time, and for others it doesn’t.
Along the same lines, moving has given me the opportunity to re-evaluate a lot of the activities and commitments in my life that are most important to me. During my last move, I decided that it was time to break away from some of the activities in my calendar that didn’t quite align with my new goals and intentions in life. They were taking time away from doing the things that mattered most to me.
It isn’t always easy to find that breaking point or a way to stop something to which you have committed yourself. But ultimately, if there is something cluttering your schedule that isn’t benefiting you or your bigger purpose, why is it there?
#3 Take a Break from Tech
Everyone talks about taking time away from technology - phones, computers, TV, and gadgets that “make life easier.” How many of us actually make a concerted effort to cut down on our use of technology?
It is difficult to cut ourselves entirely off from the modern world. Yet some of us crave that time away to just disconnect and be apart from anything that dings, buzzes or glows. Whether you love technology or loathe it, it has created a different version of life than that we once knew.
I suppose one could argue that technology has simplified many things we do. Maybe it has, but for me, it has created more channels of communication (not in a positive way), more outlets for misinformation, more obstacles in creating genuine relationships, and more confusion about how to operate gadgets, which in turn causes frustration!
I am not unique in that I didn’t grow up with a personal computer. I drafted my college papers on a word processor and had to walk to the computer lab if I wanted to use a “real” computer. I didn’t have a fully functioning cell phone until I joined the Peace Corps in 2004 (even though I didn’t have running water). I still have a difficult time finding social media a good way to be “social.”
That said, there is no way around having multiple email accounts, texting my friends and family on a daily basis and using Google to figure out where I am going or to find out the best way to make pasta salad.
What I have found is that sometimes I need to remove myself from all of my technological distractions to really hear myself think. Even if this break is only a few minutes a day, it is important for me to have that time to focus on what I need to do. Likewise, for me to be fully present with the people about whom I care, I have to take a break from using my phone or computer. Sometimes it is just to have a quick conversation while other times it is to take a hike in the woods for several hours with my partner.
If you are feeling overwhelmed because of the constant bombardment of notifications and mounting emails in your inbox, try the following:
Limit your time using social media or responding to emails.
Let people know you are on vacation or away from your desk and will get back to them soon using an email autoresponder.
Turn your phone to silent while you are working or while you are out walking with a friend.
These are just a few ways I have tried to simplify my life, and maybe they could work for you. I know there are many more suggestions out there. The important thing is to find what allows you to focus on what matters to you the most so that you can maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.
What are some ways you have simplified your life? Email me at dani@danichoicoaching.com I would love to hear from you!
I enjoy helping my clients find ways to simplify their lives so they have clarity and space to do the things that matter to them. Simplifying life definitely means something different to everyone. There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you are interested in exploring ways to simplify your daily life, feel free to reach out to me!
