A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think. -Eleanor Roosevelt
The new year is right around the corner. What better time to make way for new and better things to come into our lives. By simplifying the world around us in just a few simple steps, we can invite more of what we value, get quality over quantity, and provide an opportunity to serve and support what is most important to each of us.
Here are three small steps that can make a big difference:
Step 1: Clear the Clutter. Ask yourself what is taking up space in your life.
- Is it a closet full of clothes that is not well organized?
- Are there suits and outfits that you haven’t worn in years?
- Is it a checkbook that is out of balance?
- Does the space you use for a home office take over the living space or is it well defined and neat?
Once you can figure out what is bothering you, take the time to fix it. Donate the clothes to the goodwill or an organization that can make use of them. Get the finances in order and create a system to make them organized on a monthly basis as well as make the annual tax filing time a breeze on an annual basis
Step 2: Practice Enjoying More with Less. Ask yourself what you can really do without.
- Do you need the latest smartphone and electronic accessory?
- Can you turn off the gadgets at a set time each day and spend that time relaxing?
- How much time do you spend smiling, playing with pets, enjoying a sunrise vs. checking email and rushing through the day?
- How much money is really enough for you to enjoy the life you want?
Less really is more.
Step 3: Develop New Habits. Ask yourself what habits you need to begin nurturing today.
- Is it exercising more and leading a healthy lifestyle?
- Is it focusing on retirement and making a plan?
- Is it letting go of a bad habit or tendency?
- Is it trying to be a better person — more compassionate or kind?
Once you can focus on what you really want, write it down. Create a goal and go for it. Find friends or ways to encourage yourself to stick with it. Find a time each day to meditate on your goals and be thankful for the progress that you are making.
Here’s to a happy and healthy new year full of lots of little things.
Enjoy the journey,
Kathleen Welton
Originally published at medium.com