Building a Simplicity Framework

 

‘A few strong instincts and a few plain rules suffice us.’ –

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

Life can get complicated. Full of friction.

 

We can choose to live another way.   A simpler way.

 

We can construct a simplicity framework around what we do, and how we choose to live.  A lens through which we can see the world, unobstructed by the noise and distractions.  A tool we can leverage to design a lifestyle, we wish to inhabit.

 

What would such a framework look like?

 

At a macro level, it could start with something as simple as two lists.  One list could be full of things we want to remove (or reduce) from our lives.  A second list could contain things we wish to make more space for.

 

I offer up the following ideas to help give you a running start.

 

Need Less:

  • Busyness and busywork
  • Rushing
  • Stress/worry/anxiety
  • Toxic people
  • Negative energy
  • Debt
  • Clutter
  • Confusion
  • Comparisons
  • Spending on things that do not bring joy
  • Regret and recrimination
  • Over-analysing
  • Excuses

     

Need More:

  • White space (time for reflection, hobbies and passion projects)
  • Self-care routines – time to reset and recharge (meditation, breathing exercises, long walks, spa/massage – many ways work)
  • Connected time with those we care about most (turning up present and fully invested)
  • Travel and adventure
  • Positivity
  • Movement practice (strength training, walk, hike, yoga, swim – lots more options here)
  • Work that excites us, that we can find meaning in
  • Time for the things we love to do (and people we love to spend time with)
  • Living in the present
  • Acts of kindness
  • Gratitude

 

 

Such an approach, if we get it right, is simple in principle but also powerful.  It can really serve us.  It keeps us accountable and focused.  It can also act as a guide to help bring us back to clarity and calm.

 

Build your own simplicity framework.  Invest energy in building personalised ‘need more’ and ‘need less’ lists.  Commit to designing a life you wish to live.  Fill that life with what (and who) matters most.  Try to remove the rest.

 

 

 

**Note: This is a slight reworking of a guest post used at Minimalism Life (the original version was shared here: https://minimalism.life/journal/constructing-a-simplicity-framework).

 

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