Hmmm…. You might be thinking, what does KISS mean?
I learned this in my first sales job – it means (in a cheeky, fun – not offensive!) tone, “Keep It
Simple, Stupid!” In a sales environment it means don’t overcomplicate your products – what it is that you are offering. But I know that it applies to a lot more than selling!
Simplicity is one of the most underrated virtues of our time. We pride ourselves on excess — the newest gadgets, a full social calendar and quantity over quality with regards to relationships, experiences and possessions. We even find a weird sense of righteousness in workaholism. In New York City, I meet a lot of high-achieving individuals who don’t consider a simple life a successful life. Until we dig a little deeper. Then it can be baffling as to why we don’t all consider simplicity the aim in the first place.
Happiness is the goal of all other goals and the secret to happiness is inner peace.
Overindulgence disrupts your sense of peace.
Simplicity is freeing. When we over extend ourselves and fill our lives with clutter, both materially and emotionally, we lose touch with the essence of what matters. Our resources — time, money, energy, are limited. Spreading them thinly does not serve anyone, least of all you.
Tweet! Tweet! – “Less isn’t just more, less is getting your life back! Simplicity is one of the most underrated virtues of our time.” via @susiemoore
Here are 5 easy tips to simplify your life:
1. Seek quality, not quantity with friendships.
For a second, picture a life without the friends in you are so fortunate to have. Who would you miss the most? These are the people to invest your time with. Having 2-3 real friends is a blessing. No one can be a constant and reliable friend to 17 people.
2. Stop being so available!
Arianna Huffington says it’s not just work life balance that’s the problem, it is tech-life balance. Your email, IM, cell do not exist for other people’s convenience. They are there for your convenience. Next time you go for a walk or out to brunch leave them behind. Have a little respite from your inbox. The world can live without you for 90 minutes, I promise.
Practiced regularly, this will make you calmer and more present, guaranteed.
3. Limit your possessions.
Lose some! Do you need seven pairs of jeans? All those odd wine glasses? Keep your favorite stuff: you know the difference between what is important to you and what is “meh”. And stop spending on stuff that is not truly necessary. Your bank balance will thank you, too.
4. Schedule downtime.
At least one night a week and four to six hours on a weekend, commit to planning nothing at all. In this time, be spontaneous and do what feels right for you. It may well be pottering around at home. This image makes serenity smile!
5. Chill for a month.
Cut the entertainment, spending and stimulation. Go out less. Observe the simplicity of the universe — nothing is strained, busy, overworked apart from us busy bee humans. The world and everything inside it just is. Be part of the stillness.
What have you happily simplified in your life?
