Simplify!

I’m always looking for ways to simplify my life.  Simplifying to me means less stress and a life that flows from one thing to the next.  It also means getting my work done without pressure.  I’ve made great progress from where I started.  It’s a constant work in progress.   Here’s some tips that have worked for me.

Tip 1:  Unclutter your life.  I started at work and at home.  I found it was like peeling an onion – some tears, some fumes, layer after layer.  It seemed overwhelming so I tackled one room, one drawer or one shelf at a time.  I devoted 15 minutes a day to the uncluttering – some days I would do more.  Clutter is sapping your energy.

Sub-tip:  If I used the object or loved the object I kept it.  When I said to myself “I might use it some day” I knew that I needed to get rid of it.  I set up a charity box and kept adding to it.  I found things I didn’t know I had.

Tip 2:  Keep on uncluttering.  It’s an ongoing process.  Continue the process once a month.  You’ll want to make a second and third pass through.  I just donated a garlic cooker that was in the back of a cupboard – do you have anything that might be still in the box it came in – because someday you might use it?  Less is more.  Less stuff equals more energy for you.

Sub-tip:  Keep only two extras – such as linens or towels.  Look for sheets that are ultra pressed at the bottom of the pile – give them to charity.  Get rid of incomplete sets of things.  If something is chipped and can’t be repaired, throw it out – you’ll never use it and china doesn’t regenerate itself.

Tip 3:  Busy.  Some people think that being super busy and having an overbooked schedule is a sign of success.  If you are too busy to notice what is happening around you, you may miss key opportunities.  Reserve time in your schedule if things don’t go right for a buffer.  Examine how you are spending your time – I’ve written a few blogs on that!

Tip 4:  Outsource.  For those things you don’t enjoy, hire someone else to do them.  This could be a housekeeper, lawn service, etc.  This will free up a lot of your time for things you do love to do.  Stop trying to do everything yourself, whether at work or at home, delegate whatever you can.  You may even find time to work on your own goals and dreams.

Tip 5:  Stop shuffling and start organizing.  If you are spending too much time shuffling paper around, block off one hour a week strictly for organizing, systematizing or automating – not doing actual work.

Sub-tip:  Throw away your accumulation box – TRAF – toss it, refer it to someone else, act on it, file it – ongoing stuff put it in a pending or project file.  Only touch the paper once.  Clear everything off your desk everyday.  Setting aside time to organize is essential to success.

Do you have any ideas to share about how you have simplified your life?  Do you have trouble getting started?  What’s been your experience?  Share your comments below.

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