Life taught me that things get easier when we keep it simple.
Here’s how:
1. Decide to have a simple life.
Committing to simplicity brings things into focus. The more you do that simplifies your life, the more this identity becomes part of you. From here, you’ll find it easier to drop the unnecessary.
2. Think less.
Thinking makes it seem like life is complicated, but as soon as we relax and get present to what’s right in front of us, everything is simple.
3. Develop small habits.
Habits are things we do every day that compound to create remarkable results. Don’t worry about the final result. Follow the right habits.
4. Want less.
Nurture a healthy desire for less. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus
5. Fall in love with your habits.
Prioritise the habits worth focusing on and then realise you have a choice about whether you struggle through them or let go and enjoy each task.
6. Ask why.
We get overwhelmed when we get lost in the details — the weeds. Regularly zoom out and look at your why (beyond getting more money). Everything will become clearer then.
7. Focus on the one thing.
When faced with a decision, ask yourself what is the one thing you can do such that by doing it, everything else either becomes unnecessary or easier. Practice doing one thing at a time. That’s all there is.
8. Develop patience.
Most people are in a blind rush to get stuff, making them miserable. Move with a sense of playful urgency, but be patient. The good things take time.
9. Stop always trying to be right.
When we need to prove ourselves, we suddenly welcome drama, arguments, worry, rumination, and lost time.
