This is a guest post from Sam Spurlin of The Simpler Life. Check out his site and subscribe for more great articles on simple living.
The number one argument for not simplifying life is that it will be boring. People like to equate simplicity with the removal of spontaneity, excitement, and fun. To many, a simpler life sounds like a one-way ticket to Dullsville. I think, at one point, I even adhered to that idea as well.
I thought that it was the sign of a high-functioning person to be able to do a ton of different things at once, to multitask like a fiend, and generally strive to own the best and coolest stuff in existence.
I didn’t want to live a simpler life because living the life of a Buddhist monk did not sound like a good time.
Little did I know that living a simpler life does not mean I have to wear robes, shave my head, and meditate all day. As I have developed a better understanding of what living a simpler life means to me I’ve discovered that I’m not trying to do less, overall. Instead, it means I’m trying to do less of the stuff that doesn’t matter and much more of the stuff that does.
For me, it means becoming a better coach, a better teacher, a better writer, reading great books, drinking great coffee, spending time with my family and the multitude of other activities that align with my values. I simplify my life so I can spend more time and attention doing these things instead of wasting my time on the unimportant.
Need more convincing that a life of simplicity isn’t boring? Try these three reasons on for size:
1. Deep involvement in fewer activities: I’d much rather talk to someone that is very knowledgeable about a couple subjects, than knows a little bit about a lot. Getting past that first layer of common knowledge of a topic is what differentiates you from every other Average Joe out there.
2. Fewer possessions means higher quality possessions: What’s more interesting, a shelf full of generic decorations from Walmart or the handmade sculpture you bought while traveling last summer? Sure, the Walmart decoration is probably cheaper, but which are you more proud of owning? Which piece will draw attention when somebody walks into the room? Which one has the better story behind it?
3. A life of simplicity is a life of focus: A person who just kind of goes with the flow, is taken up by every fad, and revolves his or her life around acquisition is not more interesting than somebody who lives a mindful and focused life. In today’s society, being a focused and disciplined person is much more rare than the person who lives an unexamined life. The rarer your disposition, the more interesting you become.
In the long run, what does “boring” really mean anyway? Boring to who? If you are living your life in such a way as to bring yourself enjoyment and excitement, who is to say that you are boring? I might find a PhD physicist boring, but if I was interested in physics, chances are I would think that person is incredibly interesting.
Boring is all in the eye of the beholder and if you aren’t boring yourself, I don’t think you have much to worry about.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What high-functioning people do is accomplish so many incredible things that we can’t help but -assume- they multitask, when they’re actually working on a few crucial tasks with intense focus.
I’m not saying that all multi-tasking is bad; sometimes it’s necessary and -can- help you make better use of your time. The trick is knowing when multitasking is called for and when it only creates the illusion of being busy and productive.
Thanks for publishing my article Charley! I’m honored to be featured on your website.
@Jeffrey Tang
I think that is very well-stated. I multi-task all the time; I just try to make sure it makes sense for me to be doing so. For example, I workout and listen to podcasts all the time. When I’m driving, I’ll listen to a lecture. If I’m grading a particularly objective assignment, I’ll often have some sort of video or audio I’m also listening to. The key, however, is to know what work requires complete focus and have the discipline to remove distractions. That’s the hard part.
The big struggle for me is to find a way to focus on a smaller number of goals, without feeling like I have left out something or someone which is very important to me. Often it involves some hard choices, even after cutting out the merely distracting nonsense. Too many interests and hobbies, I suppose..
Charley, this is a really great point! To me, simplicity is about living a life without hesitation, anxiety, or worry. It is about letting energy flow through your being and seizing each moment. Things only become complex when we face internal conflicts, social pressures, and a life of incongruency.
I picked up some decorations for you at the dollar store. What’s your mailing address?
(cringe) Some people I know load up on that junk.
Perhaps you can address what I would consider the *other* argument against simplifying: Losing your personality. Many people feel that the things they own are extensions of their personalities (sort of like the guy who feels if he spends big money on that fancy sports car, it makes him into a “real man”). If they simplify or minimalize, they lose parts of themselves.
But if their personalities are expressed through dollar store trinkets, they have some serious problems that need to be addressed.
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