7 Ways to Start to Simplify Life

What do you think of when you think of simplicity? Maybe it is –

• the “Less in More” concept by Andrea del Sarto,
• “Don’t use a lot where a little will do.” – Proverb, or
• the KISS Principle – Keep it Simple, Stupid (I prefer Keep it Simple, Sweetheart).

Whatever it is for you, I hope the following 7 ways can help to simplify life. However, before we get to them, let’s discuss what the meaning of simplify is…

Some Definitions of Simplify…

If you are reading this post, I have a sense you know what simply means, however just so we are on the same page, a few definitions can help. A couple of definitions of simplify include –

• “make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand” ~ Google
• “to make something less complicated and therefore easier to do or understand” ~ Cambridge Dictionary
• “to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier” ~
• “to reduce to basic essentials” ~ Merriam-Webster

And if you need a little more, here are 3 of my favourite quotes on simplicity…

• “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
• “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” ~ William James
• “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” ~ Hans Hofmann

7 Ways to Start to Simplify Life

Following are 7 ways to start to simplify life…

1. Know Your Values –

Values are one element that drive behaviours, so not knowing your own values can put you at risk of living someone else’s life and not living your potential. His Holiness the Dalai Lama says –

“Developing inner values is much like physical exercise. The more we train our abilities, the stronger they become. The difference is that, unlike the body, when it comes to training the mind, there is no limit to how far we can go.”

2. Stop Complaining –

Don’t get me wrong, I have complained, however over time, I learnt that I needed to stop. I love Eckhart Tolle’s take on this –

“See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.”

3. Know Your Worth –

Your sense of worthiness is NOT dependent on what other people think of you. Remember not everyone is going to like you and that is OK. As Albert Einstein has been quoted –

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”

4. Set Boundaries –

When we are clear about our boundaries and what we are responsible for, like becomes a little simpler. The opposite is not much fun and as Brené Brown says –

“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated.”

5. Learn to Say ‘No’ –

Have you ever said ‘yes’ to something, when you would have preferred to say ‘no’. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Yes, I know saying ‘no’ can be changing, however what I have realised is that I needed to learn to say ‘no’ to some opportunities as they were taking away from the time and energy I could invest following my own dreams. As Paulo Coelho so eloquently said,

“When you say ‘Yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘No’ to yourself!”

6. Get Clear on Your Vision –

Do you know what you truly want or is it based on someone else’s idea of who they think you are? I love this quote –

“Clarity is the most important thing. I can compare clarity to pruning in gardening. You know, you need to be clear. If you are not clear, nothing is going to happen. You have to be clear. Then you have to be confident about your vision. And after that, you just have to put a lot of work in.” ~Diane Von Furstenberg

7. Focus on What You Can Control –

We cannot control other people, so focus on what you can control – which is how you are feeling, your actions and responsibilities in this moment!

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Over to You…

I hope this post has give you 7 ways to start to simplify life. What are some other ways you use to simplify life? Feel free to share them below. Also,  any questions, please ask below!

If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.