Why Simplicity Matters
The Allure of Simplicity
As our world becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing desire for simplicity, though we may not immediately recognize it. We are bombarded with information, choices, and distractions at every turn. Our lives have become cluttered with the unnecessary, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. But amidst this chaos, simplicity holds a power that cannot be underestimated. It has the ability to bring clarity, focus, and a sense of calm to our lives. I firmly believe that simplicity matters in our complex world, and it can transform our lives for the better.
Living simply feels almost countercultural. Trends change quickly, hustling is applauded, and spending too much time at the office is worn as a badge of honor. Everything seems to move fast, and intensity feels like the name of the game in modern society. We weren’t built for that type of life.
Understanding simplicity: What it means and why it matters
Simplicity is often misunderstood as just minimalism or a lack of complexity. However, true simplicity goes beyond external appearances. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence of what truly matters to you. It’s about finding the beauty, elegance, and functionality in the uncomplicated. Simplicity matters because it allows us to cut through the noise and distractions, enabling us to focus on what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
In a complex world, simplicity matters because it brings clarity. It helps us make sense of the overwhelming amount of information and choices that bombard us daily. By embracing simplicity, we can prioritize our core values and make decisions that align with our true desires. Simplicity matters because it fosters a sense of calm and peace. When our lives are cluttered and chaotic, it’s difficult to find a sense of inner stillness. Simplifying allows us to create space for reflection, introspection, and mindfulness.
The benefits of simplicity in a complex world
Simplicity offers numerous benefits, all of them go far beyond just making things easier. Simplicity is so much more than less effort or fewer steps, it’s a fundamental coordination of how you live your life with what matters most to you.
One of the key advantages is increased focus and productivity. When we simplify our lives, we eliminate unnecessary distractions, allowing us to concentrate on the tasks that truly matter. This leads to improved efficiency and effectiveness in both our personal and professional lives. To be clear, I’m not proposing simplicity is the next multi-tasking tool that helps you get more done in general. Simplicity offers the opportunity to do more of what you really want to do.
Another benefit of simplicity is reduced stress. Complexity often leads to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and decision fatigue. By simplifying our lives, we can alleviate this stress and create a greater sense of calm. Simplicity allows us to let go of the need to constantly be doing and achieving, and instead, embrace a more balanced and fulfilling way of living. When you know what’s most important to you – and you have strategies to prioritize those things – the stressors of life have much lesser impact on you.
Simplicity also promotes better health and well-being. When we simplify our lives, we create space for self-care and nourishment. We can prioritize activities that bring us joy and relaxation, leading to improved mental and physical health. In a world where stress-related illnesses are rampant, simplicity offers a powerful antidote. If we’re honest with ourselves, taking care of our minds and bodies is exceptionally important, even is modern society has you eating unhealthy foods and living at a breakneck pace. You deserve to take care of yourself.
Ours bodies and minds need rest. We want to give the best of ourselves. Living in consistency with our values – and having the space to know what those are – is an amazing feeling. Simplicity can provide those things.
Applying simplicity to daily life: Practical tips and strategies
Leading a simple life doesn’t mean taking the easy way out or being lazy. It’s understanding what things you can do to directly support and reflect the things you most value in life. If family is a key value for you, you choose spending time with your kids over working late on a project – simple choice. If eating healthy is a priority, the decision of whether or not to have dessert is simple.
Here are a few ways to add simplicity to your life and experience its transformative effects:
Simplifying your surroundings: Creating a minimalist environment
Our physical environment plays a significant role in our well-being. Cluttered and chaotic spaces can lead to mental clutter and stress. Start by decluttering your home and creating a minimalist environment. Get rid of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Embrace a "less is more" mentality and focus on quality over quantity. By simplifying your surroundings, you create a peaceful and harmonious space that promotes clarity and calm.
One particular point on minimalism or intentional living is that it means whatever it means to you. An environment that prioritizes joy and purpose does not need to mean blank walls and one piece of furniture in each room. Minimalism is personal. Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist often describes it as: “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing everything that distracts us from it.” So, it’s not some objective scorecard that you have to measure yourself by. It’s just about understanding what’s most important to you and getting rid of anything that moves you further away from that.
Simplifying relationships: Nurturing meaningful connections
In a world of constant connectivity, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by a large network of shallow relationships. Instead, focus on nurturing meaningful connections. Invest your time and energy in relationships that bring you joy and support your growth. Let go of toxic or draining relationships that no longer serve you. By simplifying your relationships, you create space for deeper connections and genuine intimacy.
Social media offers us the opportunity to be “friends” with thousands of people…there’s just no way that’s going to work. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to connect with that many people, so instead we release bite-sized updates on what’s going on in our lives. We end up indirectly (or directly) competing for the approval and attention from a lot of other people, which just adds stress to our lives. This is not an indictment of social media – rather, it’s a request to review how you use social media. There are great resources for you to use out there, and I know you have a lot you can add to the world with your ideas as well. Just don’t let it make you compete for the attention and approval of others.
On the more personal side, we all have social networks that we’re part of. I encourage you to foster relationships with people who add to your life and support you. The sense of belonging and connection when you can just be yourself with others is an amazing feeling. That doesn’t mean that you’ll never interact with people who you don’t get along with, but you can prioritize spend time with those who bring value to your life. As you embrace simplicity, it becomes clearer where you can invest your time to reinforce any relationships promote the things that are most important to you.
Simplifying your schedule: Time management and productivity
Our schedules often become overcrowded with commitments and obligations. Simplify your schedule by prioritizing your time and energy. Learn to say no to activities that do not align with your values or bring you joy. Delegate tasks whenever possible and focus on the activities that truly matter to you. By simplifying your schedule, you create more time for the things that bring you fulfillment and happiness.
Being busy and having little to no whitespace in your life is not a recipe for success. While society sometimes views it as a badge of honor, a jam-packed calendar is only a recipe for burnout. When you protect time for yourself and focus on the activities that are a strong yes for you, not only will you discover more contentment and self-care in your life, you’ll also become an example to others (kids, friends, family) that’s it’s okay to take care of yourself.
As you decide what gets added to your calendar and what doesn’t, remember one of the most important freeing words that leads you to a life of simplicity, freedom, and contentment: No.
Simplifying your mindset: Letting go of mental clutter and negativity
Our minds can become cluttered with negative thoughts and beliefs. Simplify your mindset by practicing mindfulness and letting go of negativity. Cultivate gratitude and focus on the present moment. Challenge limiting beliefs and embrace a growth mindset. By simplifying your mindset, you create space for clarity, positivity, and personal growth.
Admittedly, there’s a lot in the in this topic, and simply “letting go” of mental clutter and negativity is easier said than done. However, this is not something where you can just bury your head in the sand and hope things improve. You owe it to yourself to live your life as a reflection of your core values, and I encourage you to find resources that help you simplify your thoughts into a coordinated effort to prioritize what matters to you. Here are some strategies I would start with:
Identify your core values: When you know what matters most to you, it’s easier to let go of anything taking you away from those things.
Understand (and reframe as needed) your personal narrative: How we talk to ourselves matters. Use your personal narrative and a growth mindset to influence your decisions and reality for the better.
Work with a simplicity coach: A simplicity coach can help you lead a more intentional life focused on your core values. Coaching provides a framework for success through goal-setting, accountability, and a personal resource committed to your success.
Consider working with a therapist: While coaching is more focused on the present and future outcomes, many of us have events from our past that we carry around like a weight. Therapists can help diagnose and treat underlying mental health conditions that may be holding you back.
Simplifying for a better life
Simplicity in life doesn’t mean you’ll never have friction. It does, however, mean you have already thought through your decision tree when new circumstances arise. Decision fatigue is real, and you can minimize the impact it has on you.
Particularly early in my corporate career, I felt like I needed to be available at all hours. I wanted to be seen as a good corporate player. After my daughter was born, the sacrifice to my family was noticeable, and my wife let me know. I knew something had to change. I resolved to set boundaries at work and prioritize time with my family. If I’m honest, my manager didn’t love the cold shoulder outside of working hours, but he adjusted. I found more balance, and I was more efficient at work. Time with my family became a non-negotiable, and whether or not I could attend my daughter’s play (or help with homework or just spend time together) was a simple decision – Absolutely, yes!
Embracing simplicity for a more fulfilling life
Simplicity holds a power that cannot be underestimated. It brings clarity, focus, and a sense of calm amidst the chaos. By embracing simplicity, we can experience significant strides toward a more purposeful, coordinated, and intentional life, including increased focus, reduced stress, and improved well-being. Incorporating simplicity into our daily lives requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of the unnecessary. But the rewards are well worth it. So, why not take the first step towards a more fulfilling life? Embrace simplicity and discover the transformative power it holds.
Simplicity is a framework for living in harmony with who you are. It takes work to uncover the key aspects you want to focus on, but it’s worth the time. Once you build the simplicity muscle, it becomes something you crave. Again, it’s not always the easiest (no people-pleasing here!), but it is an amazing way to showcase your true self. Each of us is unique in ways that enrich the greater good, so let yourself shine. We all deserve that.
