30 Ways to Make Your Life More Simple
Posted on July 29th, 2008 in Simple Living
photo credit: ΗǼЯӨŁĐ PHOTOGЯAPHX
- Resign from a commitment you’re not passionate about.
- Stop trying to be perfect.
- Implement a basic cleaning schedule.
- Sign up for automatic billpay.
- Automate a portion of your investing.
- Clean out your media collection and keep only the items you love.
- Plant perennials that will automatically bloom next spring.
- Clean out your purse or wallet.
- Put a paper shredder next to your mail spot.
- Winnow your wardrobe down to pieces that work together.
- Delete any social networking accounts you don’t actually use.
- Add your number to the do-not-call list.
- Create a car maintenance schedule and post it somewhere you’ll see it.
- Design a filing system that you can stick to.
- Start your day with a healthy meal.
- Turn your phone off when you need quiet time.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Set one good goal, and go achieve it.
- Record your good “shower” ideas and then implement them. (Don’t we all get our best inspirations in the shower?)
- Write to a friend with (gasp!) pen and paper.
- Set limits on your bad habits, and reward yourself when you stick with them.
- Stop trying to be a saint and indulge yourself every once in a while.
- Pay off your credit card debt.
- Avoid watching commercials and reading advertisements.
- Rediscover the pleasure of reading purely for enjoyment.
- Plan two weeks of delicious meals ahead of time and skip the nightly grocery run.
- Go to your doctor for a preventative checkup.
- Remember the joys of doing nothing.
- Singletask as much as possible.
- Learn to ask for help.
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Tags: Simple Living, Starting Out
This post has 73 comments
July 29th, 2008
An amazing list of simply brilliant ideas, Sara.
It’s impossible to single out one- or even a few.
But, I do especially like the one about indulging once in a while… fancy a chocolate?!
July 29th, 2008
Excellent list, Sara!
Single tasking - that’s something we ladies especially need to think more about. I always seemed to be doing several things at once but life’s a lot easier now that I concentrate on one thing at a time. Well… most of the time I do, anyway
July 29th, 2008
Sara -
I’m a big fan of quitting things that need to be quit - and this list points out a lot of places where you can “prune your life.”
Thanks!
July 29th, 2008
#18 - should be spelled “achieve”
Lovely, lovely list, ma’am. Thank you for sharing! I do not mean to be critical, however you seem like someone who would want to know. Thank you again.
July 29th, 2008
#16 & #21… I’ve done that before; turned my cell phone off when I need “quite time.” Ya know, when I need to focus. And let me tell you, it’s one of the best things you can do to really hone in on what you’re trying to accomplish at the time. And as for #21, this is one I’ve disciplined myself on over the long-run by holding myself accountable to my daily planner. This one has is responsible for the good feeling and sense of accomplishment that I have for myself after a long productive week.
Great list Sara! Talk about keeping it Simple huh? :-p
July 29th, 2008
Scott: How did you know that rich, dark chocolate was exactly what I had in mind when I wrote that one?
Sharon: It is hard to remember. Singletasking while I’m on the phone is the one I’m working on. The person on the other end deserves my full attention, and I enjoy the conversation more too that way.
Amanda: Exactly! It’s just about pruning away what’s not working.
Janus: Thanks so much for letting me know about the spelling error! I sincerely appreciate it. After all, I’m a big
believer in the beauty of imperfection–but not when it comes to basic spelling.
Ribeezie: I’m really glad you enjoyed this. Sounds like you’re already doing a lot to keep life simple!
July 29th, 2008
This is an incredible list - robust, rounded, and 30 things I should have already been doing! I find it funny that you list reading for enjoyment, though. I’ve been doing that for years (yes, even through school amidst mountains of textbooks) and have been made fun of the entire time for “wasting my time with recreational reading.” It hasn’t dissuaded me, though, and I still read at least one fun book a week.
I miss using pen and paper to write to people. I think I’ll start there, towards the middle of the list, and work my way out.
July 29th, 2008
I’m printing this list, as someone who multitasks full force on everything, I’ve stopped reading for fun and am always trying to figure out a better way of time management.
I need a day planner so that I can jot down my to do’s in one place and not have to worry about remembering them all the time. Your blog always reminds me how busy I make myself, unnecessarily at times.
July 29th, 2008
Ok, I’m sold on 28…That’s as simple as it gets.
July 29th, 2008
This is a great list. I am marking this page as a favourite so that I can come back to it. #25 is my favourite.
July 29th, 2008
Hi Sara,
What a great list and perfect reminder to live simply. As I was reading it, I could say “check” to a few of the items, but the ones I couldn’t check off, are what I’ll work on next.
July 29th, 2008
I liked 5, 8, 10, 15 (anytime really), 20, and 29 best… and that’s actually a simple version of what I liked. Thanks.
Marshall
July 29th, 2008
Fab list! I have to work at 3, 13, 14 and 30 but am quite good at 28 lol!
July 29th, 2008
Eric: I’ve been guilty of treating pleasure reading as a rare treat instead of a regular habit. It’s a wonderfully frugal and enriching hobby, and just about forces a person to single-task. (Yay, books!)
MouthyGirl: I agree that the simple act of trying to remember things (instead of writing them down) makes our lives more complicated than they need to be.
Chris: Glad to see you back! Treat yourself to some time doing nothing.
Avani: Thanks for the compliment! I’m glad you enjoyed this–have fun reading.
Barbara: I can’t check them all off either–but I’m trying!
Marshall: No, thank you for reading.
Catz: Good for you–doing nothing as an adult is truly a feat!
July 29th, 2008
great list of things..no. 23 is tops for me. i hate debt. no more, never again.
and yes, why do we feel the need to multitask. singletasking is good. i forget what happens to the brain when we multitask, slows it down or something, but it wasn’t “good”.
July 29th, 2008
Natural,
Good for you for ditching the debt. I hate debt because it forces us to make bad decisions and can turn simplicity into a chore instead of a choice. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
July 29th, 2008
Great list Sara. Reminds me I need to plan a checkup at the doctor - some things I just keep putting off.
I also like the idea of developing some sort of filing system - that’s one area we are really lacking in.
My favorite on this list is #19 (shower lists). That is dead on, and I really need to start writing this down (my memory always seems to fail me later…).
July 29th, 2008
Love this list.
Your item #2 is my item #1… stop trying to be perfect. I am getting better, but I suspect I still have a long way to go.
July 30th, 2008
Great list! I’m already in love with #1!
Stumbled!
Evelyn
July 30th, 2008
Hey Sara, We must be on the same wavelength because I was writing a list of 100 things to simplify your life on Monday, then on Tuesday morning I saw this published here, so I wrote a post on morning rituals for my blog instead. Now I have to think of what to do with my list of 100 things to simplify your life
I really like your list.
July 30th, 2008
Does anyone else not see the irony in using 30 individual steps to simplify anything?
July 30th, 2008
Lance,
I’m glad this was useful for you! I know that my very basic filing system has saved me from a ton of stress when I was looking for a specific document.
Vered,
I know what you mean. I write about it, but I’m still actually working on doing it.
Evelyn,
Thank you so much! I really appreciate what a supportive reader you are.
Marelisa,
Oh no! I wonder if we do something together with these lists?
Jason,
You’ve got a point.
But I view it more as a buffet of options, not a list of commandments. Do what works for you, and don’t worry about the rest.
July 30th, 2008
Sara,
This is such an awe-inspiring list! Such simple steps to simplicity, and I need someone to remind me of the major effects these simple steps can have.
My new guideline for mail is to only touch it once. To help with this, I invested in two simple baskets: one is for personal mail, the other is for my biz, and any other mail is either shredded, recycled or thrown in the garbage.
It makes me very happy to see that clean kitchen counter!
Harmony,
Janet
July 31st, 2008
Good list. The programmable thermostat leaps out as the one that nurtures the earth as well as ourselves (i.e. not heating the house if we’re not there. Less carbon emissions slow down global warming).
Sara, I don’t think I’ve shared with you yet that there’s solid research linking simplicity to greater happiness. Here is my post that looks at that http://www.diamondcutlife.org/the-peak-of-happiness-and-its-causes/
July 31st, 2008
Janet,
I like your mail system. I’ve never been able to really follow through on a “touch it once” mail rule, but it’s still a goal I strive for.
Alison,
Thank you so much for sharing that research. I think maybe part of that happiness had to do with optimism as well, and being simple certainly makes me more excited about my future.
July 31st, 2008
I am in love with your list. Well thought out and great details. Nicely done, Sara.
July 31st, 2008
Emily,
Thanks so much for the kind words!
August 1st, 2008
nice article. thanks for sharing.
August 1st, 2008
Thanks, Paresh!
August 2nd, 2008
wow, this is really inspirational. i’ll be posting this in my blog too. and i’ll give you credits. that cool?
August 3rd, 2008
Verns,
Thanks for the support!
August 4th, 2008
That was an inspiring list!
My favorite items are number 2, 15 and 16…
All the best!
August 5th, 2008
I like this list, I am blown away with 18.
August 5th, 2008
Simply at the top, the level of adult behavior exhibited here.
Good list, comments are on context, the responses are timely and witty. I have a few blogs I look at as part of my reading for enjoyment ritual and I’ll look here again. If just to indulge in the mature back and forth. Good people…
August 9th, 2008
Love it, I follow some and now have a few more to add to my life.
Make it great,
Matt
August 10th, 2008
Axel G: Thanks so much! My husband and I found that life went on when we turned off the phones, and we were much more relaxed in those times.
Eneza: Thanks! I’d be curious to know if you have a big goal in mind.
Natty: I am constantly impressed with the thoughtful comments that readers leave. I’m very glad you’re part of the conversation!
Matthew: Is it ironic that a list about simplifying is causing you to add to your life?
Thanks so much for reading!
August 11th, 2008
I think I’ve just about perfected #28! Might have to work on it juuusst a bit more, though!
August 11th, 2008
Fitness Diva: Amen!
August 16th, 2008
I found at least 5 new things to do for myself.
They will save me so much time and aggravation that I can’t thank you enough.
Cheers for being awesome and being so generous
Brad Spencer
August 16th, 2008
Great words to live by. A few of them, I already do, but I see some that I am going to implement into my life this very moment. Thanks.
August 18th, 2008
nice list. I have already got rid of mobile phone for good. Only use credit card to by airtickets. Only thing i need to learn is to do one thing at a time.
August 18th, 2008
Brad: Thanks for taking the time to read! I’m glad you found a few things that will be useful for you.
Christie: I’m so glad I could help!
Ketan: I’m still working on single-tasking myself… I actually find it’s easier for me to use a credit card, but that’s definitely an issue where each person has to choose what’s right for themselves.
August 22nd, 2008
No. 28 is one of the thing that took me quite a while to appreciate - learning to be at peace and fully immerse in the joy of doing nothing. Reading books like “The Power of Now” and “The New Earth” certainly helps.
August 23rd, 2008
I like lists and I grow to like shorter ones. Your is much more approachable than 100 ways. Thanks.
August 25th, 2008
great site, makes intriging reading. I must try at least a few of those tidy up steps. I cant imagine doing all of them. life would be too boring!
All the best, Sheldon
why not try mine
http://www.sheldonmydat.blogspot.com
or the main site at http://www.sheldonmydat.com
August 26th, 2008
excellent list!
“Do not be afraid to say “no” in certain obligations”
Thanks!
August 26th, 2008
Jordan: I haven’t read any Tolle, but I know a lot folks who would second your recommendation.
Steven: Thanks! Now if I could whittle it down to three, I’d really be onto something!
Sheldon: Sounds like you’ve got a good balance. Without some monkey wrenches and craziness in there, we’d never appreciate the things that are simple.
Myln: Thanks for reading!
August 27th, 2008
Love it! Thanks for sharing you genuine thoughts!
August 27th, 2008
HOW CAN I ADD TO THIS? HAVE A LOT OF IDEAS. THANK YOU AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
August 28th, 2008
Jurgen: Thanks for your kind words!
Sue: Thanks for reading! I appreciate it probably more than you know.
September 17th, 2008
Great list!
Simplicity is simple.
As the saying goes, ” Keep it simple Honey..” You can add one more, “Do Good any way”
September 17th, 2008
Vinay: Thanks so much! “Do good any way” is a great mantra to live by.
September 18th, 2008
Thank you, Sara.
September 20th, 2008
Sara,
Awesome post! I am just not getting into your blog and have subscribed to your feed. I look forward to going through your archives over the next few weeks. Keep up the great blog.
Rock with the single tasking
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
September 22nd, 2008
Jack: Thank you so much! And frankly, ditto.
September 28th, 2008
Interesting list. I really need to learn #30.
September 29th, 2008
Great list of commonsense ideas! (Though it’s strange how uncommon common sense has become these days).
September 29th, 2008
Shafi: Asking for help is hard to think about doing, but easy to actually do. And an amazing number of people are actually happy to help.
Glee Girl: It’s so true! Common sense rules!
October 1st, 2008
agree with the best ideas on the shower… all the way
October 1st, 2008
Esteban: No kidding! How cool would a whiteboard shower be?
October 4th, 2008
Great List! I’ve pared it down for my needs and will go do it now.
LiveWellSimplys last blog post..Top Ten Simple Living Blogs
October 5th, 2008
LiveWellSimply: Glad you enjoyed this, and glad you pared it down to fit you!
October 15th, 2008
This is a great list.
That being said I highly disagree with item 6. DO NOT clean out your collection and keep only stuff you love. How can you ever branch out and discover new stuff if you dont listen to the stuff you already have? This one disappoints me
October 16th, 2008
Steve,
I completely respect your point. You’ve always got to do what works for you. For me, it’s not about sticking with just the favorites to the exclusion of anything else. By getting rid of the mediocre, I make room to try new things and keep the best of what I find.
October 28th, 2008
Nice list. I like it.
October 28th, 2008
Jigsaw: Thanks!
October 29th, 2008
I couldn’t agree more! One question, can you write a new blog on how to pay off that credit card debt easily and quickly? lol
Cheers!
Mr Matt from ABRA
October 30th, 2008
Mr Matt: Ha! Sure, I’ll just whip that out.
Would you settle for “spend less than you earn”?
November 15th, 2008
Every last one of the steps have been proven to be beneficial in my life. Thank you. Good job, and keep it up.
November 16th, 2008
Alpha Inventions: Thanks so much–sounds like you’ve simplified things in wonderful ways.
January 19th, 2009
very helpful thank you!
28. Remember the joys of doing nothing.
Oh I remember that one real well
AJ Kumars last blog post..Have You Heard of The Snowball Effect?
January 31st, 2009
Simplicity is key! Stumbled!
Marc and Angel Hack Lifes last blog post..Why Lesbians, Priests, Athletes and Chubby Chefs All Agree on the Meaning of Life
February 13th, 2009
You know, of all the blog posts I’ve seen on simplifying your life, this one post is probably the most succinct and useful. In fact, the post itself is an example of simplicity: straightforward and useful without the filler! Bravo!
Kevins last blog post..The Myth of Mental Multitasking
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