Live the simple life
Personal fitness with Chris Hunt
IT’S finally here, the final Thursday before Christmas and in fact the final column for this year. Last week we talked about communication and we delved into some tactics and techniques that you can use in this very social time of year. Have you been using any of these tactics and techniques in the last seven days?
This week I want to literally list some “simple life” insights and thoughts that I have consumed over the last 12 months that you can use in your life moving forward. I always find that sometimes as a coach you may not always agree with what I say but the job of a coach is to open your mind and give you suggestions so that you can make your own decision.
So what insights can I offer you on life this week that involve simplicity?
In the words of Steve Mueller: “Life has become a hectic struggle. We’re so busy chasing ever more that our lives have become cluttered with unnecessary belongings, responsibilities and extra burdens. These things have clouded our lives so heavily that it’s difficult to focus on the things that are really important and meaningful to us. We attribute meaning to insignificant things, while completely missing out on the truly magnificent aspects of life. By living simply, you can put much greater emphasis on the central aspects of your life that are really important to you. Less can often be more.”
Following on from the above statement I want to offer you a load of tips and insights that you may find useful moving forward into 2018. Check these “simple life” insights out below:
Choose quality over quantity. With every decision you meet, try to choose quality over quantity. It’s not important to have as many possessions as possible. All that matters is to have quality things that add real value to your life.
Evaluate your possessions. Make a list of everything you own. Once you’re finished, assess the importance of each possession.
Ask yourself if the object contributes real value to your life, or if it makes things more complicated. Most likely, you will discover that many things drain your energy or bank account or simply steal valuable time from your life. But you will also find central aspects that add joy, satisfaction and fulfilment to
your life. Work gradually on removing the nonessential possessions you’ve identified. You won’t regret it and it will give you more time to spend with those you love.
Evaluate your time commitments. You can simplify a great deal of your life by prioritising your commitments and removing those that are leading you nowhere. It can help you to de-clutter your time schedule significantly. Living simply means to stop filling your days from morning to evening with time intensive commitments. Focus on meaningful and important commitments and let go of unproductive and insignificant ones.
Do more of what you love. Pursue things you love. Spend more of your time with activities that fulfil you.
Stop multitasking. Multitasking is a myth. If you still believe in it, you might be decreasing your productivity significantly. Research has shown time and time again that multitasking is not possible. Trying to switch from one task to another will only increase stress levels while at the same time lowering your productivity. In short, don’t do it. Instead, focus all your attention on mastering the task at hand. Once it’s complete, address the next task.
Learn to say no. Rejecting requests can be quite difficult. But it can make the difference between living a peaceful, simple life and being constantly in a rush. If you’re unable to say no, you’ll automatically take on way too many obligations, responsibilities and tasks.
Spend more time alone. Most people are uncomfortable with having to spend time alone. Don’t be one of them. Solitude can be good for you. Use the time you’re alone for regeneration, self-maintenance and selfgrowth.
Check emails only once or twice a day. Another important aspect of simplifying your life is to check emails only at specified times. Keep it to a maximum of twice a day. I have used this system myself and found it to be highly beneficial. Give it a go; it really is an awesome tactic.
Live in the moment. Don’t let the past haunt you and fear of the future paralyse you. Instead, enjoy the beauty of the moment. This present moment is all you have. Use it to build a stable fundament for your future. And forget about the past. Use the experiences you’ve made in the past as important lessons to grow stronger. And try to avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Then you’ll be fine.
Live more deliberately. Your time is a finite resource. Spend it intentionally and make sure to pay the fullest attention to whatever it is you’re doing at the present moment.
Get rid of negative habits. Your habits can be a great obstacle to its living a more simplified life. Identify habits that stand in-between you living simply. Get rid of these negative habits by replacing them with more beneficial habits.
Be comfortable with doing nothing. Unfortunately, not doing anything is widely considered a mortal sin. Many people hate doing nothing because it makes them feel unproductive. But went comes to simplifying your life, being able to just relax and to do nothing can be absolutely amazing. I have been doing this more in the last quarter of this year. I pencil in time every now and again and do nothing, it is very similar to meditation in that gives my brain the chance to process and declutter.
These are just a few insights in how to simplify your life and therefore make life more fulfilling and productive internally and externally.
I am sure you could come up with some more. It’s Christmas Day in four days, maybe the best present you could give to someone is your time and undivided attention.
Maybe the best present you could give yourself is to be present in life, own your mind and to keep things simple yet effective.
Next year will see the launch of my Skyrocket Your Build and my Skyrocket Your Build Fast Track programs. They are all about optimising you… Your BODY. Your MIND. Your LIFE.
For now, I want you to enjoy this amazing time of the year. Have an absolutely amazing Christmas and I really do hope you and your loved ones have a fantastic time.
Until January 2018… A very Merry Christmas to you.