Simplifying my world has been a goal for some time now. I’ve made some, a little, okay, no progress – unless you count the stack of books I bought on how to simplify (ironic, huh).
I decided to write this post, not only to help solidify my own action plan, but to encourage others to step away from the chaos and clutter long enough to notice how it might be negatively impacting their lives.
With that, here is my plan, also known as Operation Simplification (#operationsimplification).
Step One – Unplug
Problem: I love the internet! I could spend hours (and sometimes do) reading my favorite blogs and browsing around Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Social media is the black hole of time suck for me.
Solution: When I wake up, I tend to go straight to my office to check my email which is full of stuff like, read my latest blog post, don’t miss our one day sale and sign up for this new workshop. Before I know it, I’m buying and tweeting and pinning and reading blog posts. Starting tomorrow, I will wake up and do the following:
Create my MIT (most important things) list for the day and concentrate on these tasks only for a minimum of one hour. The MIT list will NOT include reading blogs or spending time browsing around on social media. Period.
Evenings will be designated as my new web surfing and blog reading time. After 8:00 pm, I can pin and tweet and read until the cows come home.
Solution Part 2: I’ve experimented a handful of times with unplugging completely on Saturdays. No email, no social media, nada, and I have to say – it’s rather nice.
Beginning this Friday, I will shut down my computer (just in case I’m tempted) and fire it back up on Sunday morning. A whole day of connecting with nature, myself, my family and good books sounds delightful. My own little Sabbath.
Step Two – Be Present
Problem: My mind tends to go a mile a minute. While working on one task, I’m already thinking of 10 other things that I need to do (don’t forget to send that email, put the laundry in the dryer, feed the dog, pin that cool quote to Pinterest).
Solution: Each morning, while writing my MIT list, I’ll outline a rough plan for the day and stick to it as best I can.
I’ll also plan to practice mindfulness. If I’m washing the dishes, I’ll concentrate only on the dishes, not my task list. If my mind wanders, I’ll gently bring it back to the present (good old cognitive behavioral therapy).
Update: I’ve noticed my mind wanders like crazy in the shower (send that email, print those pages, put this and that on the shopping list). Bringing my mind back to the present (the smell of my shampoo, the temperature of the water) was tough (hey, it’s only day one). I decided to sing and it helped. After my shower, I grabbed my iPod and cranked the Classical Guitar Pandora station. I can’t remember the last time I felt so serene while putting on my makeup. I love how peaceful living in the present moment feels and I want more, much more of this experience.
Step Three – Purge
Problem: I have too much stuff and subscribe to too many blogs and email lists.
Solution: Each day, I will unsubscribe from, throw out, donate or give away at least 3 things that are not essential.
Step Four – Retrain the Brain
Problem: Our brains will choose the path of least resistance unless we intervene. When we do the same thing over and over, we create what I like to call a neural superhighway – our default mode. Creating a new neural pathway takes time and vigilance. Having a plan and accountability measures helps to speed up construction on this new, more desirable route.
Solution: I’ve set up some accountability measures. Each month I plan to write a summary of my successes (and any challenges I’ve encountered) in a blog post (dates are already on my iCal). I’ll also be tweeting my progress via #operationsimplification. Feel free to follow along and participate if you like. Let’s start a simplification revolution!
FYI: Since I began writing this post yesterday, I’ve unsubscribed from 21 (yes, 21) email lists, 3 google alerts, 6 meetup groups, closed my LinkedIn account and purged a bunch of expired supplements that I don’t even take anymore. Off to a pretty good start!
Update 8/28/12: I lost count, but I must have unsubscribed to over 100 email notifications. I stumbled a bit with unplugging Friday night through Sunday morning, but I’m back on track. My daily MIT list is going strong and I had my first garage sale this past weekend. I made almost $200 and got rid of lots of stuff I no longer need. So what’s next? Cleaning out the cabinets and drawers in the bathroom and sorting through my closet. Goodwill, here I come!
For those of you who attend one, maybe two formal affairs each year, I found this fab-u-lous website called Rent the Runway. Instead of buying a dress you’ll never wear again, you can rent a designer dress for $50 – $200. This is the dress I’m planning to wear to the Mental Health America of Colorado Gala in October or maybe this one or oh lordie, so many choices.
See you next month with another update!