10 Ways to Simplify Your Life

Much as I try, I can never do just one thing at any given time. Though I’ve never actually won any awards for watching TV, writing, tweeting and giving advice to a lovelorn friend over the phone — all at the same time — I used to take great pride in my multi-tasking. It made me feel like some sort of new-generation Wonder Woman.  
 
Unfortunately, I tend to let my “Wonder Chin Powers” get to my head – brazenly taking on more tasks… more projects… more activities…more responsibilities… than I can actually handle.  And like most people who bite off more than they can chew, I often feel like I’m choking — and no longer able to taste (much less appreciate) the many subtle, pleasurable flavors of my life.

Forget Superfriend status.  I just want to be a regular mortal again.  But how?

Browsing through Lists to Live By: the Second Collection  (a book I was planning to give my dad but ended up keeping for myself) I found my solution… “20 Ways to Simplify” by psychologist and seminar speaker Dr. Steve Stephens.  Just a simple list, no explanations … but a treasure trove of wisdom nevertheless.

Being an editor (and a bit of a rebel) at heart,  I’ve merged some items, added a few of my own, and pared the list down to ten:

1. Prioritize and PURGE. If you want to simplify your life fast, make an itemized list of all the things you do, and cross out at least five.  (Dr. Stephens’ actual instructions were to “Eliminate 10 things from your life” but well…that’s a tad radical.)  What you decide to eliminate is completely up to you.  It all depends on your personal priorities.   Here’s a tip, though — if it cuts into valuable time with your family or for yourself… PURGE! It just isn’t worth it.

2. Ask for help – or hire it. No matter what you may think, the fates of your company, your home, or the world do not rest on your shoulders alone.  Accept, once and for all, that you can’t do everything, and start to delegate the things that don’t really need your personal attention or supervision. 

3. Do only one thing at a time. Not only will you get individual tasks done faster – chances are you’ll do them better. 

4. Learn to say no… to others, and to yourself. If you don’t have time, don’t do it. If you want something but don’t need it – or can’t really afford it – don’t buy it.  It’s that simple. 

5. Organize. Sometimes, it takes time to make time.  Set a day or two aside to organize your home, your office, and your life. Have a place for everything, and put everything in its place.  Set a time for everything (even rest) and stick to the schedule.

6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.  This does not, of course, apply to life partners, children or friends.  But it should apply to almost everything else – from toys, to clothes, to furniture… and sometimes, even clients.

7. Cut back on TV. Studies show that Americans watch, on the average, more than four hours of television every day. The total on a yearly basis is more than 1,600 hours — the equivalent of 200 eight-hour workdays. Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you were to devote all that TV-watching time to other, more productive things.

8. Tell the truth. There’s no better way to complicate your life than to tell a lie – or worse, live it.  So if you really want to simplify your life, stick to the truth.  Always.

9. Pray regularly. My mom always says that God must look down upon us in amusement, wondering why we insist on carrying our loads all by ourselves.  Ask for help, silly! Every day! Several times a day!  Not just when you’re desperate.  At the very least, you’ll find the strength and purpose you need to go on — even if you don’t always get exactly what you ask for. 

10. Choose PEACE. I’m always amazed at the amount of time and energy people use up on anger, revenge, and the burning need to be right — over the smallest, most inconsequential things.  There are some things you NEED to stand up for, or set straight.  Save your energy for those.  Don’t waste it on the small stuff.  If it won’t kill you, just let it go.