Don’t let chaos control you
In character, in manner, in style, in all things,
the supreme excellence is simplicity.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Simplicity is a popular term today. It is so commonly used that it is hard to define. The dictionary describes simplicity as
- freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.
- absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.
- freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.
- lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.
Even the dictionary makes simplicity complicated! No matter how you define it, simplicity is something we naturally crave. Though we all experience simplicity differently, it is something that seems to fuel our creativity. It brings out the best in us. Therefore, it stands to reason that our best life might be a simple life. So, what does that look like?
Here are three aspects of life in which you can introduce simplicity:
- Finances. Nothing affects your ability to live your why as much as personal finances. Many people are being held hostage by bad financial decisions. When you simplify your financial life, you will be able to pursue your why without hesitation. If you want to learn how to simplify your financial life, visit Dave Ramsey’s site.
- Social Life. We are, by nature, social creatures. Yet, it is the pursuit of social connections that chews up hours in the average person’s life. You can introduce some simplicity by limiting your social activities to no more than 10% of your day (2.5 hours)—person to person and online combined.
- Home Life. When the home operates as it should, it becomes an oasis in the sea of chaos. You can’t control the other environments in your life, but you get to decide what happens in your home. Simplify it by eating meals together at the table, turning off the television and talking, encouraging the kids to spend time with the family rather than in their rooms, and by saying no to excessive extracurricular activities. Don’t live in a rut!
When you live simply you get the opportunity to simply live. Think about it.
What are three things you can do to simplify your life?
The Live Your Why Podcast will soon be available. If you have a question you’d like to have answered on the podcast, call 41LIVEWHY0 (415.483.9490) and leave your question or email it through the podcast link. You might hear it answered on an upcoming episode.
