The Power of Living Simply
Have you ever thought about living a simpler life and adopting the approach “less is more”?
Well, I’m here to tell you, as a Melbourne career coach, that it is possible and the benefits are amazing! Learning to slow down and live a simpler life can prove to be one of the most significant actions we can take for ourselves, our family and the well being of the world. Learning to rely less on external satisfaction and more on internal satisfaction and motivation.
I think we can all agree that we spend so much of our time working for things, working to survive and constantly striving to get ahead. We place so much pressure on ourselves to be successful in all areas of life and this only places immense pressure on us and the effects of this stress is showing. We rush around all the time with jam-packed schedules, constantly trying to find that balance between work, family and friends. So by taking small steps of change towards slowing down our lives, we can transform ourselves and those around us in a positive way.
Before we dive deeper into the power of living simply, I have a question for you! Are you living the life you’re living because YOU’VE decided to live that life or are you living it because that’s how others expect you to live it? Take a moment to ponder that question…
It is so easy to get caught up in societal pressure and sometimes you may find your purpose is shaded by the need for the latest car, the newest designer handbag etc. When we strip it down and we become content with the things we have that allow us to live our purpose.
Simplifying your life allows you to have the opportunity to fill that void by giving you the time and resources to figure out what you truly want to do. And if you have figured out what you truly want to do, simplifying your life will give you the time and resources to do it. Amelia offers career coaching services to help you navigate living simpler. Find out more here.
So why is living simply so important?
Living a simple life ultimately gives you the freedom and power to decide and to do what YOU truly want to do, thereby releasing you from the shackles of the “cycle” that most people are caught living in the first place.
Living simply proves to be an effective way of escaping from the constant comparison, which can reduce society’s peer pressure and mindless consumerism. Yes, mindless consumerism! How many times have you purchased something that you don’t need just because you’ve seen your favourite celebrity or your friend wearing or using it? More often than not, I presume…Let’s break it down.
The less is more concept is based on the value of simplicity and that by having less you can actually create a life of more. It’s about learning to feel secure and happy with less as you are gaining so much more value in your life.
Less Stuff = Less Spending = More Space = More Savings
The space you surround yourself with has a lot more impact on you than you think. It can greatly affect your mood and how you feel. Decluttering and clearing out your space, allows you to let go of objects physically and mentally. The less stuff you obtain the more money you will save. Learning to make intentional, well thought out purchases rather than impulse will lead to spending less, and when you do spend, it’s going to be on something that adds value to our life, not just instant and short-lived gratification. For example, purchasing a designer handbag, instant gratification vs. purchasing a plant or seeds, long term gratification.
Less social media = More time to read = Personal Growth and Development
Yes, I know this one sounds simpler than it actually is. We have all become glued to our phones with some of us on our phones from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to sleep. I get it, it is so easy to get caught up in the digital world but being constantly consumed by information and social media actually takes away from the positive aspects of technology and the benefits it provides us. So start small, instead of scrolling through social media at night, pick another activity, such as stretching, reading a book or maybe it’s having a conversation with your partner, a friend or family member about their day! If you are interested in personal growth and development, Amelia offers career coaching tools and services for career but personal growth. Contact Amelia here.
Less planning = More Doing
While I am a sucker for to-do lists and don’t get me wrong they are super beneficial in helping with productivity and organisation. Although planning for the future is vital, I find that we can become consumed and sometimes overwhelmed by our to-do lists that we become unmotivated and end up not completing anything! Instead, take some time out of your morning to think of 3 things you actually want to complete. You will find that by spending less time planning so far ahead and focusing on things you can accomplish short term, you will achieve more and have more time for other things.
Here are some more simple steps you can take to create more space in your life and start living a simpler life.
Take time to yourself. Schedule fewer activities for yourself and your family.
Take time for solitude. Get out for a hike in nature. Sit in a quiet place for 30 minutes. Take some quiet reflective time each day.
Take at least one day off of activities or work. Leave space in your calendar where you can relax and unwind.
Consume less. Find activities and ways to enjoy life without buying more things to make you happy.
Cut down on your expenses. Decide to spend less on consumption. Less money stress will make your life more meaningful.
Live a simpler lifestyle. Slow down. Live with just what you need for basic necessities.
“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.” ~ Steve Maraboli
Amelia McDermott is a Career Coach and Coaching Psychologist, based on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne. With nearly 20 years of training and experience working as a psychologist, Amelia has a strong understanding of how to uncover what makes people tick, and how to help people find an authentic career that aligns with their unique talents and values. If you’re looking for Career Advice or Career Counselling, look no further than Uplift Coaching and enjoy a consultation with Amelia to see if a Career Coach is right for you. Book a consultation here.