The 2-Step Approach
If you are having trouble simplifying your life, there are two steps to follow:
1. Identify what is most important to you.
2. Eliminate everything else.
I know that these steps sound rather extreme but they are spot on. To live more simply, you must rid yourself of unnecessary objects holding you back. The first step you want to take making a list of the 4 or 5 things that are most important to you. Realizing what is most important to you may help you realize how many extraneous objects you have in your life.
After you have identified important objects in your life, set a date to purge unnecessary items. Reducing clutter can help to clear your mind. According to Jennifer Nelson of WebMd, clutter spills over into every aspect of life.When you can't find things, you can feel frustrated, angry or unproductive. Once you rid yourself of physical clutter, you can more easily rid yourself of mental clutter.
According to Alex Lluch, author of Secrets to Love Life and Be Happy, "To be truly happy, sometimes you must eliminate unhealthy people and situations from your life." For example, if you feel stuck at a dead-end job, resolve to make a change. Even more than that, if you have people in your life that bring you down, it may be time to let them know. Negative influences may not seem to bother you on the surface but they can cause problems later on in life.
Lluch states, "It may take some courage to eliminate this stuff from your life, but you will feel much more fulfilled once you are able to concentrate on the people and things that do make you happy. As I have stated in previous blog posts, it is important to take time for yourself. Find what works for you- what clears your mind. Take a walk, keep a journal or merely close your eyes and take a deep breath. The clutter in your life may be more than physical.
More often than not, mental clutter comes from life's stresses. According to a blog called "The If Life", learning to say "No" is the best way to take control of your life. If you can't say "No" you will take on too much. It is important to do things for others. However, knowing your limits will help you keep your mind clear and uncluttered.
When simplifying your life, just remember the two steps:
1. Identify what is most important to you.
2. Eliminate everything else.
The key to living simply is only living with what you need. What are the most important objects in your life? What could you afford to purge?
Do not forget to come back next week for more tips on how to simplify your life!!
