2 Simple Ways To Simplify Your Lifestyle
Our days can feel like a crazy sea of distraction, stress, busyness and overwhelm.
We can get lost in that sea, and it’s hard to figure out how to find mindfulness and focus in the middle of it all.
The answer, I’ve repeatedly found, is in the pure elegance of simplicity.
Simplify to find focus. Simplify to find peace. Simplify to find a way through the sea of chaos.
Let’s look at some things you can do today to create the elegance of simplicity and focus in your life.
1.Simplify to Clear Distractions
The distraction of multitasking and technology can be hard to overcome. But it drains away our mindfulness, effectiveness, and life energy. So let’s do something about it.
Let’s start with the phone. I have recently decided to be a minimalist with my mobile phone. I have simplified. You can also try this.
- Put all apps into one folder.
- Keep the home screen clear. No tempting apps to click on. Instead, use the search function to open an app, requiring yourself to type in the name, which makes you think about what you're doing.
- Shut off almost all notifications.
- Choose a simple and beautiful background to remind you to be mindful when using the phone.
I like single-tasking apps, at full screen.
Outside of the phone and computer, I like to keep a notebook of my tasks for the day (bullet journal style). And I keep my desk as clear as possible.
Simplifying your physical and digital work spaces will help you be less distracted, and more able to focus on a single task.
2.Simplify Your Intention & Focus
As much as possible, it’s best to focus on a single task at a time.
That means, instead of constantly switching around (the default mode for many of us), it’s best to pick one thing and set aside some time (10 minutes, half an hour, etc.) to focus on just that thing. If it’s important enough to take up your attention and time, it’s important enough to give it the space for complete focus.
When you clear everything aside, before you dive into the task, ask yourself, “What is my intention here?” If it’s to help your team, help your client, help your family, help yourself have a better life.
Then get started, with focus. Don’t let yourself do anything else, even if you feel the urge to switch, at least for 10 minutes.
Simplify by setting intention and keeping your focus on one thing at a time, as much as you’re able. This is a practice, which means you won’t be perfect at it, but daily practice helps you get better.