#Simplify February 3

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Performing a Google search on SIMPLIFY can get pretty confusing.

When we attempt to SIMPLIFY our lives choosing a pathway might seem complex. A simple life has a different meaning and a different value for every person. Paralysis of Choice often stops many individuals from taking any action. Barry Schwartz, a psychologist wrote a book called “Paralysis of Choice” and has given a TED Talk on this topic.

Concepts to Simplify

Maybe the first foundation to a simplified life is personally understanding what is important to you. It is a destination that can be arrived at in a multitude of ways. For me, it is adhering to principles found in Stephen Covey‘s Book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“.

Our lives just seem to become richer when we focus on what is really important to us rather than attempting to impress or mimic the lives of others. Covey’s book provides us an outline with his first 3 Habits.

1. Have a personal vision and be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind-what do you want to be remembered for in each role of your life
3. Prioritize “Put First Things First”

Habits to Adopt

There is a fantastic quote I love but have paraphrased

“Thoughts lead to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide our character; and character fixes our destiny.” 

In attempting to SIMPLIFY our life we need to let our purpose create habits.

Pretty important to understand that habits cannot come before purpose. Identifying what is important to you is the key. It will not be the same for each of us. Once you have your personal vision in place consider some of these habits.

1. For 30 Days evaluate your time. What do you spend time on? From the moment you wake up to you go to sleep what are you doing? Once you have that 30-day baseline ask yourself are those things helping me achieve what is included in my personal vision or purpose? Decide what to eliminate so you can add more time to the things that matter.
2. Learning to say NO-If something comes up as a choice that contradicts what your purpose in life is don’t accept it.
3. Gratitude-create a daily habit to be grateful for 3 things each day. This habit creates thoughts which galvanizes our purpose in life.

“If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come”. Those words come from The Dalai Lama.