As we contemplate a new year, who doesn’t dream to make our lives better, eliminate bad habits or just take more responsibility for our lives? As I’ve blogged in the past, the New Year is a wonderfully energetic time to make resolutions. However, this year I’m approaching resolutions from a broader perspective. Simplicity - the state of being uncomplicated. What about intentionally working on simplicity as a way to bring about positive changes? Here’s my thought process:
Simplify > Focus > Achieve goals
(to continue click on Read More)
Simplify > Focus > Achieve goals
(to continue click on Read More)
In the past, I too have failed to follow through with goals that I’ve set. The reason is often due to distractions rather than the loss of interest in the goals. I might set a goal, consider it worthwhile, know it is achievable, and plan my tasks. After a relatively brief time, however, I become distracted by other thoughts. Has this happened to you?
I’m suggesting that we reduce distractions (simplify) as a new approach to achieve goals. Simplify what? Our personal spaces, our thoughts and our emotions. If indeed we simplify these aspects of our lives the rest (focusing and achieving goals) will begin to fall into place. Another way to say simplify is declutter, right? We simplify our personal space by getting rid of unused things. We simplify our thoughts by reducing the chatter in our minds. We simplify our emotions by letting go.
Space - Get rid of unused things. Yes, this means declutter and organize. When we reduce visual distractions our thoughts are naturally clearer as well. Practice simplicity in this area first since physical things are tangible and easiest to declutter (for most of us).
Thoughts – We simplify our thoughts by reducing their volume. One possible means to this end is to limit our number of commitments; thereby reducing mental energy output on them. How? Prioritize activities then cut out the unimportant. Or we can try meditation for practice in calming the mind. Lastly, we can gather to-do tasks in a written list in order to unburden our brains and plan to deal with them efficiently later.
Emotions - We simplify our emotions by clarifying and letting go. We can let go of people who bug us or negative relationships that use up too much of our energy. Or we can practice letting go of nagging feelings. This is not easy. Nor is it selfish. When we reduce unnecessary emotional commitments we simplify our lives and release energy to be used in a more productive way.
What’s the logic behind simplicity? Once one part of our life is simpler, then our focus becomes clearer. We realize what’s important to us and we have more brain power to dedicate to those priorities. Here’s an example that anyone can relate to. Recall when you were last on vacation, sitting quietly without the distractions of life holding you down. Were you able to really think? Dream? Imagine positive changes? These imaginings are the resolutions that we eventually want to get at in order to improve our lives. And they can be more easily uncovered once the physical, mental and emotional clutter is gone.
Don’t know where to start? As above, I usually advise beginning by decluttering physical things because they are more tangible than thoughts or emotions. Plus, the skills of physical decluttering easily transfer to the intangible. At the very least, merely imagine how you might simplify your life - a powerful first step. It’s okay to start small. After all, simplifying is a courageous act in taking control of our lives.
Have questions or need help? Give us a call.
I’m suggesting that we reduce distractions (simplify) as a new approach to achieve goals. Simplify what? Our personal spaces, our thoughts and our emotions. If indeed we simplify these aspects of our lives the rest (focusing and achieving goals) will begin to fall into place. Another way to say simplify is declutter, right? We simplify our personal space by getting rid of unused things. We simplify our thoughts by reducing the chatter in our minds. We simplify our emotions by letting go.
Space - Get rid of unused things. Yes, this means declutter and organize. When we reduce visual distractions our thoughts are naturally clearer as well. Practice simplicity in this area first since physical things are tangible and easiest to declutter (for most of us).
Thoughts – We simplify our thoughts by reducing their volume. One possible means to this end is to limit our number of commitments; thereby reducing mental energy output on them. How? Prioritize activities then cut out the unimportant. Or we can try meditation for practice in calming the mind. Lastly, we can gather to-do tasks in a written list in order to unburden our brains and plan to deal with them efficiently later.
Emotions - We simplify our emotions by clarifying and letting go. We can let go of people who bug us or negative relationships that use up too much of our energy. Or we can practice letting go of nagging feelings. This is not easy. Nor is it selfish. When we reduce unnecessary emotional commitments we simplify our lives and release energy to be used in a more productive way.
What’s the logic behind simplicity? Once one part of our life is simpler, then our focus becomes clearer. We realize what’s important to us and we have more brain power to dedicate to those priorities. Here’s an example that anyone can relate to. Recall when you were last on vacation, sitting quietly without the distractions of life holding you down. Were you able to really think? Dream? Imagine positive changes? These imaginings are the resolutions that we eventually want to get at in order to improve our lives. And they can be more easily uncovered once the physical, mental and emotional clutter is gone.
Don’t know where to start? As above, I usually advise beginning by decluttering physical things because they are more tangible than thoughts or emotions. Plus, the skills of physical decluttering easily transfer to the intangible. At the very least, merely imagine how you might simplify your life - a powerful first step. It’s okay to start small. After all, simplifying is a courageous act in taking control of our lives.
Have questions or need help? Give us a call.
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