Getting rid of stuff we’ve accumulated allows us to breathe deeper. De-cluttering our physical space often leads to mental de-cluttering. It creates a sense of calm, peace and space. In my experience it’s space that leads to clarity and forward momentum.
In our professional lives we can become overwhelmed by the volume of meetings, Board papers and decision making processes. While in our personal lives we can accidentally and cumulatively surround ourselves with ‘stuff’.
My friend Chris Lovett, an expert in minimalism, has just published his book Discovery of Less, where he coined the phrase "less is progress”….and I like it. As he confesses to hoarding clothes, clinging on to sentimental CDs and making mistakes when his mind is overwhelmed with To-Do lists, I think we can all see ourselves in his stories.
Here are 3 insights I gleaned from the book:
1) The clutter in our homes is like junk food: "absolutely brilliant when you gorge on it, but of no nutritional value later on.”
After the ‘high’ of a new purchase or an epic restaurant meal, I can think of examples where I’ve been left with feelings of guilt and a tinge of regret. In recent years I’ve made more conscious choices on the ‘big’ stuff, but these day to day small decisions have a cumulative impact on who I am being that can shift me out of alignment. A pause for thought.2) "I was the one creating the endless lists. I was always the one adding to it."
How often is it me piling pressure on myself and adding to my list vs. other people asking things of me?3) When we sell our homes they’re often the best they’ve ever looked. So why not invest that time, love and attention in it now?
Treat the space how it deserves to be treated and enjoy the feeling of contentment and happiness that comes with that focus of energy.
I hope these insights spark your own. Minimalism (thanks to Chris) has sparked my curiosity and I really believe it’s true that we can do more with less. I’d be interested to hear your experiences with de-cluttering and simplifying life.
P.S. This is my take on 'less is more'. When we get rid of physical and mental baggage we create space for fulfillment. Ask yourself - what needs a clear out?