Simplicity is defined as freedom from complexity and intricacy. It is a term used for finding processes and methods of living life that are uncomplicated or uncompounded.

Embracing simplicity in your life can free your time up to pursue other goals, such as having fun, fulfilling your purpose on Earth or finding meaning in life.

Simplicity usually means you are paring down your processes to find a more streamlined approach. 

Adding simplicity to your routines allows you to identify what matters in life because as you embrace simplicity, you typically weed out what doesn’t matter, in terms of removing unnecessary steps. 

When you remove unnecessary steps in your day, you have more time and thus, usually more peace of mind to do what you want, which can feel very freeing.

To start embracing simplicity in life below are a few tips to begin - 

1 - Imagine your ideal life right when you wake up

Rather than thinking of everything that needs to be done, spend the first five minutes of your day when you’re still laying in bed thinking of what your ideal life would be. 

This simplifies the mind’s mental clutter in thoughts of the future by creating a brain map of where you are going, which can help you develop both conscious and unconscious behaviors to get there. 

If you want to go deeper, after imagining, ask yourself what is the most important task to do today to get there? and let the rest fall into the minutes in between.

2 - Have your tea or coffee first

The demands of the outside world can start banging on the door even before you have self-nourished if you allow them to. To simplify life, you first have to slow down to see things clearly and calmly to consider what needs changing.

When you have your tea or coffee first, before responding to the newest request on your time or “emergency,” you slow down and give yourself time to think about how to respond… simply.

3 - Make things simple for others

When offering anything to someone else, make it simple for them. 

Give them a few choices, rather than twenty. Any interaction you have that feels complex, ask, what is one way this can be simpler for me and for them? See what comes to mind and take action on it.

4 - Go without for the next big thing

Avoid added complexity. Commerce can sometimes make things feel very complex. The choices are so similar you may wonder if you even need the new xyz, and then factor in what additional maintenance will be added to your life if you get it. 

The truth is, things need care and attention. When you get more things, it does add more complexity. You have to take care of said things, wash said things, keep an eye on said things, think about said things on vacation, etc.

If your previous thing still works, keep it. If you can do without the next big thing, do - it is one less thing to deal with in your orbit.

5 - Shop at only a few stores

Chances are, you have haunts - places you go to time and time again, no matter where you are in your life. 

Over time, you learn the sales at these places, their rewards programs, and even where things are in the store so your errands are simplified, as there is less time spent looking for what you need.

Now that you have favorites, keep them in your loop - price check at these places, sign-up for recurring orders for repeating buys if possible, so you can stop constantly remembering when you need detergent next and simplify your mental load, too.

6 - Try having just one of something

Can you have just one winter coat? Pair of snow boots? Eyeliner? Soap you use? Type of tea you are drinking right now? Sunscreen? Fragrance? Power tool? 

Yes, you can! Think about what you like most in each category of goods you buy, and just get that - one of them. If you have more than one, sell your duplicates, give them to relatives who need one, or use them up.

If you need a backup, the store holds the inventory instead of you, which keeps your accounting more simplified. Also, now that you have “just one” there are fewer objects to misplace or put back - simplifying the time you spend searching for or arranging your things.

7 - Say no

No, thank you. Not right now. I’m good, thank you. Maybe in the future, but not today.

You are not obligated to “catch the ball” every time someone throws it to you. You can let the offer drop at your feet and you will not lose points. 

Overcommitting by adding partnerships, collaborations, new vendors, books, products, and even charities to your list adds complexity. Every yes opens a new portal of choices. 

If you want more simplicity in life, sometimes saying no is the best answer. 

8 - Use what you have or can borrow

Can something I already have do the trick? Is there something here that looks like that thing I want? Does a family member have this item? Will they let me use it?

Eliminating new buys can simplify your expenses, the number of items you have to manage, and it helps you become more creative. Sharing is a way to ​​simplify spending and reduce comp​​lexity on the supply chain.

When you embrace simplicity in life, you are looking to maximize your current resources while keeping things efficient, easy and working the best way possible for you.

Having a mindset of simplicity can improve your ability to incorporate uncomplicated living in your life. 

The above eight steps will help you gear your mind to simplicity, so that you can begin to free yourself from unnecessary complexity and have more time to do what you love.

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