I love reflecting on my life and seeing where I can reduce to make things simpler.
Years ago, we followed the KonMari method of decluttering our home.
I was able to part with about 5 large bin bags of clothes that I didn’t like, were ill fitting, damaged or I simply just didn’t wear.
From that point on I tried to keep my wardrobe very simple - 7 simple white workshirts, black trousers, grey sweater and one of two coloured ties.
Working for myself now - I generally just wear black t-shirts, with either black joggers or beige combat pants (both with big side pockets for my field notes and writing notebook…essentials)
I no longer have to debate what to wear as soon as I wake up - alleviating decision fatigue before I have even got out of the house!
People like Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, Sir Jonathan Ive and Christopher Nolan all famously have a pared back minimalist wardrobe and style.
By doing this, I save myself making multiple decisions that can be used later in the day combatting decision fatigue and avoid making bad short term decisions.
1% gains!
Sir David Brailsford was the Performance Director for Team GBs all conquering cycling team.
He used the principal of ‘marginal gains’ to find increases in performance.
He knew that there wasn’t a huge amount of difference in the physical aspects between his cyclists and the rest of the worlds competitors; but wanted to identify what could make the difference between a silver and a gold medal.
“The whole principle came from the idea that if you broke down everything you could think of that goes into riding a bike, and improved it by 1%, you will get a significant increase when you put them all together.”
To me, this is minimalism at its core. Reducing things to what actually matters.
One of the things identified using marginal gains was sleep. How could he improve the quality of his athletes sleep when they are competing in another country - sleeping in different beds and rooms.
The answer was pillows - the athletes started to bring their own pillows from home to the hotels.
1% Marginal gain. Athletes sleep better - recovery and focus are optimum = better performance.
Has it been that long?
Having practiced minimalism principles for close to a decade, I recognise what serves me and what doesn’t.
I have stopped drinking alcohol
I stopped using social media
I made my phone as dumb as I could
I created a simple wardrobe
I regularly reflect through journaling and include habit tracking
Each have given me at least 1% in marginal gains over the years.
Looking back to how I used to be - stressed, disorganised and arrogant - thinking I could do it all without systems to support me, I am not surprised I had regularly panic attacks and struggled at times with my job responsibilities.
What can you do reduce today?
It’s an interesting question and I want you to take your time answering this.
It might be helpful for you to settle into a room in your house or at your desk - take some deep breaths (in for 4 seconds, short hold and then breathe out for 6 - just a couple of minutes of this can help you settle) and take a look around.
What can you see?
Are there things surrounding you that bring you joy and serve a purpose?
Are there things that you don’t like or you rarely or never use?
Are there things that you feel clutter up the space and make you feel uncomfortable or distracted?
By giving yourself time and space to answer these questions you are able to identify what is important and what is not.
Performing this exercise for physical clutter is a start, but the skill can be built up to other aspects of your life.
Look at your calendar - are there slots on there that can be deleted and provide more space in your day for your most important tasks?
Open your phone - are there unused apps taking up visual processing space on your screen, making it feel more cluttered and anxiety inducing?
Are there apps that actually make you feel worse about yourself or your life - taking up valuable time in your day that could be used for cultivating friendships, learning a new skill, important work tasks, spending time with loved ones, enjoying a film, or joining that salsa class you have been meaning to attend with your partner?
By reducing things down - we give ourselves space and time to identify what truly matters and as The Minimalists often say
Less is More - The Minimalists
Want support creating a calmer, simpler way of living?
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