Someone once said “it takes a genius to live a simple life” and I totally agree with that.
In this world of “dramatic distraction” and information overload it is too easy to become overwhelmed, lose focus and be swept away from the things that matter most.
Here are 16 tips that I have learnt form other leaders, blogs and books, and have been trying to apply in my life to de-clutter, un-complicate and become more intentional about how I spend my time…
1. Turn off all technology for 60 minutes a day and focus on doing your most important work.
2. Don’t check your email first thing in the morning. (This one in particular has been life-changing for me!)
3. Start your day with exercise. (or even better, learn how to surf – no better way to start the day!)
4. Be obedient to the sabbath! (That means learning how to really rest and refuel – taking one full day a week as a complete recovery day.)
5. Learn to say no.
6. Plan your week ahead. (I spend 10 minutes every Sunday evening looking at my diary for the upcoming week and planning spaces for work, rest, exercise, relational meetings etc. It helps me to stay focused on that which is important and gives me permission to say no to that which isn’t.)
7. Don’t answer your phone every time it rings.
8. Get up early.
9. Go to bed early.
10. Eat a big healthy breakfast.
11. Clean out your closets. Get rid of things you never wear or don’t use anymore.
12. Stop watching TV. Or at least cutback to no more than 1hr per day. (Jess and I haven’t had a TV for the nearly 6 years we’ve been married. When you don’t have it, you simply don’t miss it.)
13. Make sure you plan a decent holiday break once a year. (I find it should be at least 10 days for it to become truly regenerative.)
14. Learn to protect your time. The data says workers are interrupted every 11 minutes. Distractions destroy productivity and complicate your life.
15. Do your banking online.
16. Use Evernote. Seriously, it’s an amazing piece of software.
This dude is smart. And he’s my husband. I’d just like to throw my two cents in and say that Tom really does live this out, and it has made a huge difference to our marriage and life together. I’m often amazed at how effective he is, how much work he does, and yet the balance he has. Its worth doing every single one of these – not just for yourself but for the people around you!
She gets a commission for comments like these!
Seriously though, thank you my darling.
Great points Tom, I try live by a number of them, your success lies in the discipline…
Ahhh. I don’t even know you guys, but you make me want to click “like” on Facebook.
But not checking email first thing… Ouch. Maybe in the days before my iPad! Seriously, would be interested to know how you can be so disciplined when you have one. When a computer takes forever to start up, you can tell yourself it’s too much effort, but when all ou need to do is tap…
Haha!
My wife is awesome! I must say the iPad has made it more tempting. But it’s short term pain for long term gain! Resisting now forms a habit that gives me more freedom ultimately.
thats so sweet! I love this quote btw “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Kasha at itsPurePositive.
I believe you also have read ’4 Hour Work Work’ by Tim Ferris
one of my favourite books
Really like this and agree. Especially exercising right away in the morning… Great post.
Hi!!
Really I love this post; I´d do it every morning. Take care
It all lies in making priorities and having that discipline to follow them. Sadly, I am working on the second one. Haha. Great post by the way!
Great post. It’s just too bad there needs to be so many tips–that in and of itself begins to complicate.
Kathy
Interesting thought Kathy. I totally agree. I often find myself reading so many productivity/self-improvement blogs/articles etc and even though all the advice is great, they too become another thing to do on our ever-expanding “to do list”. I think the key is focus, discipline, and taking small steps in the right direction.
I got a book about time management that advises readers to keep a log of how they spend their time. I can see how it might provide useful insight, but it seemed like it would be very time-consuming!
Chockful of great stuff. Thanks for the kick in the pants!
When I wrote it, i was kicking myself! We are all a work in progress i guess…
It’s a interesting post I would probably say don’t answer the with-held numbers on the phone as they 99% of the time are always sales calls wasting your time !
Stop watching TV is probably the best piece of advice ever, ask anyone that watches soaps what happened a month ago and they will tell you they don’t know haha
Thanks for the comment. My thinking when it comes to TV is that life is simply too short to watch TV – there are just too many good books i want to read, people i would love to spend time with etc etc.
Why so hateful on TV? Aren’t TV series and novels essentially the same thing, fiction one can resort to when in need of entertainment or just some distraction of their own life? Of course there are loads of great books to read but there’s also a bunch of good TV series to watch.
Not hating on TV. I agree with you, and I enjoy a bit of TV now and then. It’s just when it takes over and robs too much time out of your day that it can become a hindrance to your productivity.
Wow! I really appreciate this. I’m always trying to simplify – and keep simplifying. It’s a bit of a neverending process because complications keep trying to sneak in. Thanks for this!
Great post, simplifying our lives is always a great move. It’s easy to get distracted and let clutter build up (both physical and mental).
Totally agree. Thanks for your thoughts!
No tv, I never answer my phone, and it would feel weird to check emails first thing in the morning! Closet could use a cleaning though…
haha! don’t we all! Thanks for reading!
I find that these are good types to do as well. They go a long way to help you to be able to get somewhere in your life as well.
You are right. Simplifying is only a genius’es art.
This is quite a useful post. I hope you wont mind if I borrow this idea for doing a post on my blog?
Go ahead!
Thanks Tom
Great tips! It’s shocking to me both how obvious and simple these are…. and yet how few of them I am able to live by.
Great post!! Its very informative and greatly written..
It’s such a important topic to think about
Tom found your blog on fresh pressed.
Like this one, I will be spending some time reading over some of your older posts. Rock On Brother.
Tim
Thanks for reading Tim. Hope you enjoy the other posts.
Hey Tim. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy the other posts and are able to glean some fresh insights.
I love it. Let’s see if I can do it.
I really like this post. Thank you for helping us people out here get our lives worked out. I just found your blog and hope to continue being a patron. I am starting a blog much like this on life and how to.
Thats fantastic. Thanks for reading and good luck with your blog!
Oh my…I am doing EVERYTHING wrong! There isn’t one piece of advice that you give that I am currently adhering to…not even the one about eating a big breakfast! Ugh…this is terrible. My life is SO not simple and I need to change that!
Thank you for the slap in my face that I needed today!
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even as i wrote those thoughts down, it was a slap in my own face too! We are all works in progress, but it’s about taking small steps in the right direction.
Perfect!
I enjoyed reading this post, I was able to think of ways to make your tips more specific to me and am excited about implementing these new concepts into my life. Overall, simple beats out complicated any day of the week, and simplifying things may be a complicated process but it will always be worth it in the end.
great article… need to learn how to say no and definitely agree with holiday and weekends…
Excellent post! Lesson 14 is the most crucial one because it encompasses all the other ones. Glen McQuirk says, “Time Management Precedes Life Management” and Dr Mike Murdock says, “Let people respect your time. If a meeting is planned from 13:00-13:30 and they come 10mins late then they will know the meeting can only go on for 20mins!”
Without change, we would be forever stuck in the present world. That change is built into every kind of existence, means that all existing things are also infected with this ability to become something new. And, to the extent that the present world is less than ideal, it is only the fact that change occurs, that allows us to hope for a better world to come.
Freaking excellent tips, and I can’t disagree with any of them.
Nicely done Tom. If I was to simplify and whittle these 16 to 1, I would say…exercise!! Nothing will make you feel better!
I was somewhat surprised that you did not include “make a list” in there somewhere, that helps me immensely.
DS
I totally agree with you on all of these points. I constantly say ” I don’t have time” but in reality if I did one task completely without being interupted I would have the time!
Really like your tips here! (Even if you dont stick to number 4 by doing number 6)
I think leaving 1 day to rest is a great idea which i will try this weekend, means I’ll have to do more Saturday though!
Great time saver tips! First things first – add a walk before work in the morning – at least 3 times a week (baby steps, right!!??) Next – simplify! Yikes – that may be tough! Will have to work at it! Great advice!
have been following point number 7.the others i will!!
Thank you!
Now I just have to find the time to start incorporating some of these ideas!
Amazing points. If I don’t exercise first thing I usually don’t exercise at all. Sad I know.
Turn off technology. I have to start doing this one too.
Great productivity tips!
Thanks,
Mark
http://www.minimalistlifestyle.wordpress.com
Love this post! I can definitely benefit…
Great post! I like how you emphasized on having a balance between work and rest.
Easier said than done, my friend – at least in my case. I could add few more things or you least:
- limit browsing internet and social networks (I don’t watch tv but this is another vice)
- work when you work and rest when you rest (I feel that I work 24/7 but actually do not)
… number 2. (check emails and social networks first thing in the morning) I find also extremely important. another one:
- check emails at intervals during the day, e.g. around lunch time and then in the afternoon, every few hours instead immediately as it interrupts you working on other tasks… (email doesn’t have to be immediately answered either)
- clean your desk from unnecessary stuff (that works pretty well for me as I feel that it takes of my energy)
- when you need a break, make a ‘real break’: open the window and breath fresh air, look in the sky or trees, have a stretch, chitchat with colleagues INSTEAD of checking the news or browsing for a moment
cheers!
This are great suggestions! I think the one about not checking email right away is something I need to hear…sometimes it’s the first thing I do after getting out of bed!
This has to be the first time I’ve ever read both the whole of the posts and all of the comments that followed. It’s all very interesting. The verse that comes to mind is this: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). I thank God that I do not need to do it in my own strength, because I can’t! But “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philipipians 4:13)
You are more than welcome to check out my blog. Its purpose is to explore what it means to find calm in a world full of chaos, by looking into biblical truths using music and poetry as a stimulus.”
P.S. “Life is too short to watch TV.” What a strapline! Love it. Thanks Tom
Thanks for reading. Will check out your blog. Sounds interesting.
Great points You should also add that priorities shouldnt be numerized as you and only you know whats important ,for that matter if must be taken care off.
thank you for your pointers
http://www.tgifemployee.wordpress.com
Speaking as someone who has raised procrastination to a fine art, I found this post really useful. Maybe I’m never going to achieve all 16 but I’ll take a few bite-sized chunks. I’ve already improved my life by not turning on my computer at all on a Friday and giving over the day to other things, although the temptation to peek at my email is almost irresistible. I’m going to start with your number 2 tip – not looking at my emails (and I’m adding to that not looking at my blog stats) until I’ve done at least one productive thing every morning.
Ooh, I agree. Blog stats are so addictive! I’ll try that too! Thanks for reading.
Your tips + mine = THE perfectly life
I saw yours yesterday, Karim. You’re right, if I follow the suggestions above, maybe I’ll finally find time to clean out my garage!
I try the “No” thing but it always ends up at the end of my ever-growing list…..
I love not answering my phone. That is a good one.
Great tips – I try to use tips in my Blog – they’re so useful to readers
I am going to try to put some of these tips to work in my life! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for posting these tips Tom! I printed them out to post somewhere I’ll see them often as a reminder. I’ve been struggling with feeling overwhelmed and distracted from the things that are important to me, so I’m very glad I found your post today.
I don’t intentionally do most of the items on the list, except that I do my banking online and I don’t watch TV. I gave the latter up because the commercials drove me crazy, and I don’t miss it at all. If there’s a show I really want to watch I’ll catch it on DVD and watch it at my leisure, preferably with friends. I do spend inordinate amounts of time on social networks and playing video games, though. These are definitely things I should cut back on.
I also find that, about once each week, I have a day where I just decide I’m not going to tackle the things on my to-do list, I’m going to focus on me. Usually that day involves decluttering one or more rooms and/or doing laundry. I feel so good afterward, it really seems like an appropriate use of that time. I like #4 observe the sabbath and #6 plan your week ahead of time. Maybe when I’m scheduling my week I can pick a day to rest, so when I then decide to rest on that day it seems more like an “appropriate” use of the time to care for myself and not rebelling against the ever-looming to-do list.
So, again, thanks. I’m not going to try to do all of these at once right away, but I’ll begin gradually incorporating them into my routine. Best wishes.
Sonds like you are on the right track. Baby steps are the only way – trying to tackle it all at once only becomes overwhelming and depressing! All the best!
This is really helpful! I’d never experienced the stress with e-mail but now I’m the president of an organization at my university and that equals me being the person to mail on the list-serv so I’m often tempted to check first thing in the morning! That only stresses me out though so I think I’ll use your tips to organize it better and not let it stress me out.
Thats great. Glad to hear this post is actually having an influence on how people live their lives. Thanks for reading.
I read this post and now I’m going to memorize it. Thanks!
Amazing! Really great advice. The hardest will probably be turning off technology, haha.
Thanks Tom for the reminder, we all need those.
My favourite and most powerful thing I do is turn off my mobile every now and again, mainly at the weekend so I don’t get distracted from the things I really love doing and especially so as I pay 100% attention to the loved ones that I am with !
can i translate in french your article on my blog (of course i’ll refer to your blog !)
No problem at all. Thanks for sharing.
Officially made my day!
Absolutely true!
I almost never answer my phone: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/why-i-dont-answer-the-phone/
3. exercise is a definite. You should exercise when you get up (even if it’s 7am or midday) because your metabolism goes up more//for longer. I hate how it’s a known fact that people’s attention is 20 minutes….why schedule 2-hour lectures then?! Ohh the pain, I faded too early in my class today haha!
Hey, saw your name and figured I should respond. Thanks for finding me.
Great advice. I’m only 23, but I certainly do understand the value of SLEEP! My friends all make fun of me because of my 10PM bedtime, but the joke is on them when they party all night and go to work with hang overs!
I tried the trial version of Evernote, not too impressed but maybe I’ll give it another shot.
- LisaaLinh
BitchinRants.wordpress.com
Lisaalinh.wordpress.com
Excellent list…I agree with all of it and appreciate the link to Evernote. Now I look forward to when I have the OS that will run it. Thank you for this excellent synopsis.
Great tips! I mapped out this week (on Monday) and it made a huge difference. I am making progress and can already see where I need to go next week!
That’s great. For me personally, this is one of the most important tips that can potentially create the most space in your life.
Thanks! Your list is great. I’ve tried the no checking e-mail first thing, but I have to admit that I don’t always stick to it. :-/ But, you’ve encouraged me to give it a go again! I do think that it helps.
Thanks again!
We don’t always get it right, and that’s OK. But at least you’re trying! Well done and thanks for reading!
These are good tips.
Good tips. Thanks for sharing!
Does anyone know how Tom has listed his categories at the top of his page? I would like to do that to mine, if possible!
It’s built into the template
You know, I’ll try to give some of these a shot. Starting tomorrow, I’ll wait for my email
GO FOR IT!
Oh how I wish I could follow these simple points.
Small steps. DOn’t try tackle them all at once.
I agree about tv. I don’t watch tv and I don’t even miss it.
I lived without TV for years. Now I watch, but only programs I have chosen in advance (Netflix) which are mentally stimulating for me.
Very good, I especially appreciate the thought to turn electronics off and only one hour of tv. It’s amazing how much time and energy it steals.
I absolutely agree with you on have a good breakfast and getting plenty of rest. Amazing what those two things can do for you.
Thanks for the great tips. Now, would you have any tips on increasing your productivity when you’ve got nothing urgent to do, the phone never rings and you don’t actually have emails in the morning? Not that I’m a loser or anything… just wondering.
Actually a great question though. Just off the top of my head, i think the key in both cases is to have a VISION. To have a plan or a dream and then to strategize steps on how to get there. Studies show that people (especially men) retire and have nothing to “fill the void” are prone to depression and anxiety. We are not designed to sit around. We all needs hopes and dreams and a reason to get up in the morning.
hahaha…. just enjoy your simple life!
Hey, you’re good! You know how to take the bait and even how to let it go… As a reward, I’ve decided I’s start my day with a run, starting tomorrow. You never know, that might get the phone ringing! Thanks again.
Nice tips.![:)](http://web.archive.org./web/20111015224635im_/http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1306998965g)
Also your post on self discipline is too good. Hope I can apply it in my life.
Thanks for checking out my blog posts. Glad they can help in some small way.
I completely agree with these tips. However, I would also like to recommend SpringPad.
I’ll check that out – it looks like an amazing app.
I really need to start my day with exercise rather than checking Twitter and Facebook.This is a helpful post.And By the way sir, are you a seventh day adventist? ….
Good advice! It rings very close to the advice from Carl Honore’s In Praise of Slowness book. I would pick that up. It changed my life!
totally agree with you on the TV tip. i barely watch TV. i only turn it on for documentaries (can’t give up on them). sometimes it does feel a bit odd when i hang out with my friends who love TV series and game shows, and they stop nonstop and joke and laugh about the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother, while i totally have not a clue. but by and large, when someone turns to me and ask who is my favourite in Friends, i’m glad (and kind of proud) to say “i don’t watch TV.”
Thats fantastic. Well done to you! I’ve watched on episode of How I Met Your Mother, and i just didn’t get what everyone was raving about!? maybe i missed something. Give me 30 Rock any day.
nice read! loved it!
Great tips but of course easier said than done. I went without TV for a few years when I lived in the mountains but now that I am back in civilization and back in the news business I have to have it. Great post.
Hey Tom,
Mind if I post your article on http://www.napodfw.com? It’s the Dallas-Ft. Worth chapter of Professional Organizers. Let me know! Thanks!!
Michelle
Absolutely. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree.. however I’M ONLY halfway there in living a simple life. Hopefully I get there soon. It takes alot of focusing to live a simple life!
Great list! am trying to sleep early. that’s my biggest problem right now. other than that is checking emails first thing in the morning. However, trying to discipline to the list is hard work but i guess it’ll worth it..
I agree with everything on this list and have been advocating most of the points for years, although not necessarily living by them! It is amazing what can be done if you out the objective beforehand. Also, the technology advice is something that is well warranted because people do not realize the surroundings they are missing by looking into their mobile devices all the time. It is a wide, abundant world, not a 2″X2″ world of scant resources and dearth.
This is good advice that I think I will use myself, however, my question to you is: Do you think that these steps of advice could apply to the teenage generation?
Absolutely. Maybe not the details, but the underlying principals I believe are universal
Great tips but it’s hard to not check my inbox in the morning or to not pick up the calls when it ring. Anyway, I agree the idea of being obedient to the Sabbath though I also find it hard for myself. Since I have to work until Monday to Friday, I postpone the meetings with my friends and family gathering until weekends. In weekend, I’m busy with all those things. And, Monday comes again. Sleepily starting another week.
Of course, these tips are not always easy, but they’re worth fighting for in the end! Thanks for the comment!
Tom Bassen, you are fantastic. Thank you so much for these tips. I’m going to try to implement the “no technology” rule starting tomorrow. I doubt I can do 60 minutes because of the nature of our work/lives (we have very very very very long hours), but I can probably do 30 minutes a day without. I’m always looking for ways to declutter and reconnect. Thank you for sharing – you really deserve the honor of being freshly pressed! I look forward to hearing more fabulous things from you!
Thanks! I’m so glad this post helped you.
Cool! I think I need try it… I felt my life was getting worse since I was studying while working..
wow i like ur post !![;)](http://web.archive.org./web/20111015224635im_/http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif?m=1306998965g)
one more from me,to simplify our life,we must be a positive thinker
And enjoy any busy things
Thanks, I’ll try te Evernote
This is impt. Life s short
Tom, this is really good stuff. Really enjoyed reading this. I actually do a lot of this things just like you point out, I just have a different ritual for exercise as I do it after work and have specific times to check my email. Unfortunately, as soon as I get up is one of my scheduled checks.
Look forward to reading more from you and feel free to read my blog on business and sports with a touch of motivation.
http://asanvicente.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @asanvicente
This post has arrived at an opportune time for me as I am currently desperately seeking some balance due to working full time, studying at night, organising a wedding, some days I literally fall into bed, my eyes screaming at me because I have yet again strained them too much over the day – I think they are currently planning a mutiny. One morning I will wake up and they will have packed up my eyelashes and abandoned me. I used to exercise everyday and meditate and have outings with friends and go to the movies with my fiancee… there’s just no time now. I think one of my biggest things is not knowing how to say no… but I have been working on it. Thanks for the inspiration to renew my efforts
Thanks for being honest and sharing your challenges. I think we live in a world where “busyness” is out of control and the we can become seduced by words like “efficient”. They key is to start small. Choose one or two things on the list and focus on those.
And good luck for your wedding day. I”m sure it will be wonderful.
I think I’m gonna have to try some of these it might actually be of some help haha
Good job!
Thanks. Because of you I’ve been curious and am now using Evernote as well…
I can only do 3 or 4 items from the above-mentioned tips. Dang!
Love this post.
“Make sure you plan a decent holiday break once a year. (I find it should be at least 10 days for it to become truly regenerative.)”
This was the one we all miss.
I agree with each and every one of your tips. The hard part is to change one’s life and keep it that way… Thanks for sharing this! Tom.
great thoughts! you know things are true when you feel them. I felt these as I read through the list to simplify because a lot of them ring true in my life. I just need to take that first step. Ready, go!
Nice tips. I’ve got some problems with priorities. I’ll try them and see what happens. Thanks.
Good stuff here. Thanks for posting.
By the way, I’m an avid Evernote user as well and I agree with your assessment of it. Awesome app. Another app I use to simplify my calorie tracking is MyFitnessPal. It’s been worth it. More power to your blog.
MyFitnessPal is great! I use it too!
We don’t have a T.V either, and this has been super-prdouctive for us as a family. Thanks!
i bookmark this page!
Hey,
Congrats for Freshly Press..
Suprisingly, I never follow any of those tips and will start following with “Stop watching TV ” and “Eat Healthy Breakfast”..
Thanks for all those tips…
I am trying my best to do all this!
In the last month or so, I have no started to give away clothes, paintings, things that I don’t use or relate to anymore. I don’t pick up my phone every time it rings, but then I check my mail every morning when I get up!
So already half way there and the other half should be worth it as well!
Good for you! Keep going. Small steps and changes every day.
lots of good point are there. I don’t receive my phone every time it rings. so at least i am doing one. And i will work on those other 15 tips for sure. Thanks for sharing !!
I’ve noted your thought in my mind ….thank you for sharing…This excellent list.
The problem with TV is that even if you don’t like what is on, you watch. ?? Even me. I do it!
I currently have no TV for 8 months now. But, when I get a chance to watch it these days, I get so excited! Then, I find myself constantly searching for something interesting- eagerly hoping to be satisfied. Ultimately, its all commercials and disappointing! Even when you watch actual television programs, its so obvious that there are ads in the shows. And, the actual entertainment part is only like a total of 5 minutes! Ha! In fact, when my fiance` and I find ourselves in a place with TV, we talk about how weird it seems now with all the commercials. And, I think that shows me that I was immune to the commercials when I used to have TV… I find that interesting..
And, this is why we are not hooking up TV when we are done traveling! Everything I want, I already have and I think that’s the point you are making.
I honestly don’t have answers for why we are so busy all the time, doing a million things. and being all over the place and un-zen-like all the time… I guess we are always trying to keep up with everyone else? And, when you let go of trying to keep up with everyone around you, its like simplifying your life.
I think its great that you are doing this, and I am trying as well. Its a constant process… Its like working out or eating healthy or saving money- Once you get into the habit its easy, but its easy to get wrapped up in the hustle of life around you! Being disciplined and thoughtful about your actions is a lifelong practice, as it should be! That’s why its rewarding – b/c if it was easy, everyone would do it!
I agree completely. Thanks commenting!
good
Ha! GREAT post Tom. Don’t have a TV either and we don’t miss it. The only thing I WISH is that someone would invent something so that I HAVE to complete an online exercise programme before my email will open. You’ve just given me an idea for another post. Thing is, it’s not in my plan to write on my blog today :0)
Another tip i have which really helps, is to set your email to only update every hour. It gives you some breathing space. You could set it to two hours if you’re brave enough – something i’m simply not able to do. I’m a slave to my (4) work inboxes.
Have a great day today!
George
That’s great insight. There are even software programs that limit intent access or email access and the only way to get in is to restart your computer. This obviously makes it easier to resist the temptation… Interesting stuff.
The most important thing in my opinion is the no-tv-thing. My darling and me haven’t had a tv for 3 years now and we don’t miss anything. Thumbs up for that one!
Interesting blog! Enjoyed going through it. Especially this post. I like the point where you say learn to say no. Thats the most important thing in order to stay focus.
I was actually looking for a blog as interesting as this one where you talk about productivity, spirituality, relationships and gadgets all at the same time.
Good Going!
Glad you found something at this blog. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for a great post. Many things you are listing that I am going to try to apply in my life. I don’t have a TV to start with so that’s good. Have not really watched any TV for the last couple of years. My phone is not a problem either. I don’t use it very much. I do spend to much time on the computer. That happens naturally as I am studying online and it is easy to just go from studying to surfing the net. I started getting up earlier and going to bed earlier two month ago. That really helps to improve your life. I have tried to start my day with exercise and while I lived in Spain where the weather is nice I found that easier. I am trying to start my day with meditation now instead.
Anyhow..there are so many things we can and not do in our everyday life to feel better
good one.. really helpful
We all needed this. At one time or another. Thanks for a great post. Currently living a simpler life because of half of your points. It’s a start.
Will try to remember as many points as I can out of the above 16 points! But somewhere I had read that one should say a YES more often because when you say a YES you open a whole new set of possibilities before you.Yes I know the power of ‘NO’ too
:)!
Only time I feel bad about life is when I am unable to justify myself clearly among arrogant and rigid people..
Anyway check this –
How Well Do You Know Yourself?
This test aims at discovering how well you know yourself.
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/selfawareness/selfawareness_instructions.asp
We say NO now so we can say a bigger and better YES later…
This is our family philosophy about spending money. We live like paupers so that we can travel to exotic places. When we came back from a two week trip to Greece and Italy, a friend asked how we could afford such a trip. I thought (but didn’t say!), we don’t have brand new cars (like she did), we didn’t buy a house with 30 acres of land and a swimming pool (like she did), I don’t have a cell phone (like every member of her family does), we don’t eat out (much – about once a month), Say No to those sideliners and say Yes to Jamaica, China, Hong Kong, Bahamas, Europe, Hawaii.
Thank you, this is already a good beginning! I recommend Yoga of Silence – this simplifies life in a extraordinary way…
Really….can be life changing.
love it!
Yes I should definitely do my banking online! cutting down on TV time is going to be so hard though…that’s how I relax when I get home after work
THANKS! Sometimes you need a little reminder every now and again… *workaholic!
Agree with everything, especially the TV part : “When you don’t have it, you simply don’t miss it.” I haven’t had a TV at home for about four years now, and I’ve never been happier. I find I am more productive, I read lots of books, write even more, practice my art and my music, spend more time with friends… basically, instead of watching TV and seeing how others live their lives, I actually go out and live mine! Great post!
that’s great. you have inspired a blog post on this exact subject in a bit more depth.
“..basically, instead of watching TV and seeing how others live their lives, I actually go out and live mine!”
I feel the SAME way.
Husband and I don’t have cable, so TV isn’t a crucial part of our lives. We rent a movie, occasionally, and have a “junk food” night where we spend an hour and a half “watching other people (actors) live their (ficticious) lives..” the rest of our lives, is our own.
Aun Aqui
good on you. keep it up. Thanks for reading!
first of all thanks for the great tips…
I personally never agreed with experience speaks more… but the thing you said about getting rid of TV was the master piece… ha ha…
you are true “if you don`t watch it then you wont miss it”….
Thanks you ton`s of times…. i really enjoyed your post…….
Great advice! Thank you. Your post is an asset to thr blog world.
Just what I needed! Thank you for the advice. This is great :-]
Very catchy opening line: it DOS take a genius to simplify life: I agree. My favorite tip was saying NO. Can I get personal, and say no to family invitations?
“I have a surfing lesson that day” would be a hilarious excuse, given the east coast suburb I live in.
Ronnie
Or just stop using WordPress or Facebook for a day. LOL
This piece is interesting!
This is great. I find that I’m constantly distracted but also drawn to technology and it definitely affects my productivity. Text messaging, Twitter, Facebook, email. I can lose a whole evening on these things! Great tips. I might even start eating breakfast!
I tried giving up watching TV for one full week and while it was “okay,” I truly missed TV. I like it too much to not watch it. I agree with most of your tips, in theory, but in reality, it’s hard to follow them.
thanks for your comment. I think every person’s list make look different. The point is to be disciplined to cut things out that may feel good at the time, but ultimately just stress us out and overwhelm us.
I’m just starting the journey of productive self discovery. I often jumbled my life with so much on my plate that I wasn’t enjoying any of it. I say ‘yes’ to everything!
A big part of my journey, is learning that I cannot please everyone – and there is no point in killing yourself over it. Accepting the fact that sometimes people just don’t need a reason to not like you and as a people pleaser, this maybe the hardest to overcome! But here goes nothing!
Great post!
One of the best postings I’ve read. Thanks for sharing!
It took me ages to work this all out. Much better way to live – actually live and not be controlled by everything and everyone around you. (Ok, sounds a little more freaky than I intended but I’m sure you get the general idea!)
Awesome post! Thank you for these helpful tips.
If I may share my additional insights on the same topic here >> http://seekersportal.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/minimum-efforts-for-maximum-impact/
Wow! This is really great! I’ve just recently started doing some of the things on this list – exercising first thing in the morning and not answering the phone every time it rings. Wow! Both of these have been so helpful for me! I’m definitely going to try some of the others on this list.
Just curious, though: how would you recommend protecting your time?
- http://officeafternoon.wordpress.com
Thanks for reading. I think the key is learning to say no. But in order to know what to say no to, we have to know what we want to say yes to. This means having a clear vison and plan, and gives you permission to say no to those things which ultimately are not helping you to achieve your vision. hope that makes sense…
Excellent advice. I’d add “don’t talk about what you need to do, do what you need to do.”
This is one of the best lists ever.
All extremely great pointers. I highly agree with not checking e-mail, not always answering the phone, and eating a big healthy breakfast! Going to bed early is a must. And no TV is lovely. For about 4 years I didn’t have a TV and I didn’t miss it at all. But, of course, saying no is also really important. Great post!
I think I will have to take good note of your advise.
ivanpomposo.wordpress.com
I think Nike says it best “(Just) Do it!”
These are great…most of these I’d never even thought about. My email is on my phone and first thing when I wake up, I roll over and check it. I guess I’ll work on that, thanks!
http://howficklemyheart.wordpress.com
as many above, I’ll add that this is very helpful!
Fantastic Post! I’m a Professional Organizer, and I couldn’t agree more. Also, my husband and I moved our TV into the basement. Not having it in our family room means we watch far less of it. I think it’s incredibly important for people to recognize that they need to refuel, and that means downtime.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m happy to say I’m living out almost all of these, it’s very important to make time in the day to collect your thoughts and relax for a bit
not for tourists:
http://www.cityarbiter.wordpress.com
P.S. LOVE this tweet: If the size of your ministry vision isn’t intimidating to you, it’s an insult to God.
AMEN!
Great tips ..hope you asked evernote for commision?!?!
OMG thank you so much for your post! It’s exactly what I needed to read to stay focused! #1 and #14 hit home for me–turn off technology to protect your time!
Less distraction=more focus, time, and productivity!
This is good. Let’s see if I could do this.
4. Be obedient to the sabbath! (That means learning how to really rest and refuel – taking one full day a week as a complete recovery day.)
As a Seventh-day Adventist, I found that super interesting.
Also appreciated point 11 on cleaning out closets! My husband and I try to do this atleast twice annually. Organizing my living space declutters my mind.
Also – an additional point to add, perhaps (or maybe this goes along with “dont check your email first thing”) – DONT surf Facebook or text right after you wake up while you’re still in bed. I waste atleast 10-15 minutes doing this every morning. (Is it really that important? Is the “information” and are the status updates that interesting?)
I enjoyed this! Thank you, sir.
Aun Aqui
simple but very valuable suggestions for peaceful & productive life..thanks tom
Great post. Though I don’t find everything applicable for a college student like me, I will surely do these when I graduate.
I like number 3 above. I keep postponing my exercising, always leaving it for tomorrow.
Nice post.
This is very smart and useful! Thans fo sharing!
I’ve heard it’s also good to make a list everyday of the things you have to do. Then list them in order of their importance. And you have to takle item one, ignoring everything else until you finish, then item two and so on. So that way you do one thing at a time and stay focused on the most important tasks of the day.
Great post!!! Will definitely give it a go… right after I check my email
Couldn’t agree more with your tips. I’m fulfilling most of those, and will definitely try to incorporate the ones I’m not – thanks for sharing! Congratulations on being freshly pressed, it’s well-deserved!
wonderful post.. I’ve been trying to exercise things like these and I was able to do that to an extent..I can live without a TV forever but the one thing that I’m not able to give up is “Facebook”.. I’m too addicted ! I tell things to myself like “Only half an hour for facebook today” and I end wasting 2 hours.. Hope I achieve this himalayan task one day
small steps in the right direction is how you get to the summit.
Love the post. Great tips!
Amazing advice, thanks!
I just spent about five minutes reading this. And I know it all, and do it.
Old, but tried and true, advice.
Perhaps it’s new to the kids out there?
you know what they say. nothing is new under the sun. the key is not the information, but the application, which it seems you do. well done and thanks for reading.
I’m such a night owl that #9 is so difficult, but this is encouragement for me to be better. Also, #12 is a challenge…I like my dvr’d shows….maybe if I space them out, I wouldn’t get more than 1 hour a day:) That will go into my weekly planning!
Great post on productivity! I liked it a lot — thank you for sharing!
I will follow your blog for sure.
Absolutely fantastic advice! I love that list!!!
Thanks for giving me something great to think about.
17. Choose your leaders wisely because once you take the first step into hell you will not recognize the rest.
some are easier than others but try I shall.. email first thing is going to be a tough one
I like the tips. Very well thought out
Thanks for this list! I’m going to start applying some of these to every day life!
So many great nuggets of truth here! I think I’ve got most of these covered, but as is always the case, there are certainly some areas I could work on. Thanks for the helpful reminders!
Really enjoy your post. As a college student, finding the best way to increase productivity is a dream that’s not really worked for. The technology bit is especially difficult when your classes requiring their assignments to be finished online.
Hmm… that does raise the question: What could one do in that particular scenario? I had thought of having a browser specifically for studying, where all the usual websites are blocked, but that hasn’t worked. I would really like to hear your point of view.
I hear you. The tech one is hard. But I think choose a specific time or times when you go offline. Start small – maybe 20min – and then slowly increase as you can.
There are also programs you can install on your computer that block websites or apps between certain times and you have to restart your computer to override them. Makes it easier to resist the temptation! Good luck!
EXCELLENT POST!! I loved all the tips but numbers 4,5,7,9,10 were my favorites!! I preach this all the time to family and friends. I clean out my closets every season. If it has not been used or worn for the last six months to a year then get rid of it. You probably aren’t going to wear or use that item.
Check out my link on Front Porch Thoughts…http://aprilhawk.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/stop-evaluate-and-prioritize/
Have a good weekend.
I agree, I don’t always pick up my phone, or check my e-mail in the morning. Just because I don’t want to be bothered with stuff like that so early. I did had evernote aswell, but I just didn’t saw the meaning of it. :c
But, this was a wonderful post!
“Christianity and other weird stuff” That sums it up nicely I think.
Hi! This is a great post. It really makes me want to sell my television, but I just love hockey so much. Anyway, I was wondering if you made the picture at the top? Or how you did that? Is that a photoshop thing? It’s super. I want to do stuff like that on my website.
Very cool. Liking them all:)
There are some great tips here and I will certainly implement as many as I can into my day.
One quick question though, what about when you have kids? Mine are still young enough that they demand constant attention so free time for us as parents is minimal.
I’m not certain how many of these tips I would successfully be able to build in to my routine around them.
Great post though, wish me luck!
I hear you. My wife and I have a 3 month old baby boy who keeps us on our toes constantly. But they key i think is focus – knowing what you want and having a plan to get there. Everyone’s plans will look different.
So now wait – the world needs people who have “come alive”, but also, we should be focused on “productivity”, as if we’re corporations or machines rather than human beings.
Do I have that right? No thanks. You claim to be a Christian; was Jesus productive? He quit his job to go wandering around, meditating and preaching and protesting.
You and the robot class can keep your lifestyle. The Protestant work ethic is inhuman bunk. Let the ants be the ants. It’s for people to be people. Not until we begin to treat ourselves like human beings, rather than machines or resources, can we justifiably expect others to treat us like human beings rather than as mere machines, or resources. Ie, in a Christian manner, as men. Do you get me?
I understand your point. I think we live in a world so focussed on “knowing” and “doing” and we forget that we are human “beings” created in the image of God. Sometimes, in this crazy fast-paced world we must learn to simply “be”, and not to value ourselves on what we do or what we know. These things will fade.
However, I have also find that God often responds to me when i take a step or decide to act. It’s no good talking about poverty. I believe God wants us to ACT. To get our hands dirty. To make plans and do the work he has called us to. Application isn’t legalism.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Some great tips here! I have a similar post on my blog about getting up and just doing! Check outon my blog, I’d love to get your feedback!
Those are some great tips! I have a similar post on my blog about getting up amd just doing! Check out my blog, I’d love to get your feedback!
Especially like #1, #2.
Very thoughtful
Good tips, & I love the quote at the top about doing what makes you come alive. There are so many directions a person can go in as far as spending time and making money; finding what really brings life to your spirit is a good basis for making a choice.
Thanks. That is definitely my favourite quote, and I try to live by it…
You know, I never (ever) thought about planning my week!, that’s gonna make life a lot easier, with all the schoolwork I have!!!
Very helpful tips.
I like these lines, ” Stop watching TV. Or at least cutback to no more than 1hr per day. (Jess and I haven’t had a TV for the nearly 6 years we’ve been married. When you don’t have it, you simply don’t miss it.)” —so true, you really don’t miss a thing when you don’t have it. I have not been watching TV for almost 2 years now and I didn’t miss it all…
I will apply these tips especially devoting one day a week to just rest and be free from the everyday routine.
Thanks for sharing and congrats for being Freshly Pressed. You deserve it.
What about not wasting time reading lists of what to do – but actually doing some of the stuff?
hahahaha. You are absolutely right! Application is everything.
Nice ideas but the point “get rid of facebook” is definitely missing
Or at least cut back on Facebook. I would have to agree.
Truly fantastic advice! Thanks for posting~!
Wow thanks! I am just starting to work from home as a Parent Coach and I am amazed at how disorganized and distracted I have become. These tips all ring true, Thanks again!
Great post… modern life seems to be built around distractions!
Agreed!
I love this post!
Great list, Tom, thank you! Many of your points match my philosophy.![:-)](http://web.archive.org./web/20111015224635im_/http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1306998965g)
Gadgets. I love them but only if they work for me.
At home we’ve created ‘no gadget night’. Have a read if you’re curious
http://minimalistself.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/no-gadget-night/
Joanna
Read your post and enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.
I’ll try them, I need to improve my discipline too :S.
At leastI don’t have to worry about the TV tip, I haven’t seen tv all the year, since I don’t have the only channel I used to watch, I just whatch what my family watches while eating dinner…
This year is the busiest year I have ever had in my life, and I’m thankful for that! because now I feel alive!
Great tips ^^ I’ll try all this though some is hard but…
just wanna change my the way I live now so… Thanks a lot!
I really enjoyed reading your post. It links up nicely with my very first blog posting, Stop and smell the roses. It is so difficult for we perfectionists and workaholics, isn’t it? Thanks for writing this one Tom!
Can I just tattoo this on my brain?
Hahaha! Great idea. We all know it, but somehow we forget it and life just seems to sweep us away…
Tom,
Nice post. And great advice about resting one day a week. It’s the way it was intended. You’re right, we all need to simplify our lives. I recently wrote an article about building “pauses” into your day and living a more reflective life. Your 16 tips are a great start. Thanks for sharing.
Darn! Knew I shouldn’t have read this post! Now I’m gonna feel guilty about checking my emails every morning!
Don’t feel guilty! Guilt only paralyses! Thanks for reading though!
Very positive way of managing life. But as I am a young teenage I have a question on #7 What if that call is very important?
If it’s an important call, they will leave a voicemail, which you can check, and decide if you will get back to them. In my experience though, 90% of the time it’s not that important and can wait.
great reminders of things I once knew and always forget . . . if I don’t run first thing in the morning, I don’t go, but I have to admit, I do like to check my email first!
Great post. Great list.
I haven’t had a TV since 1994. I don’t miss it and can’t imagine when I would fit it into my life.
wow! this really did help! thank you so much!!
Thanks Tom for sharing this Tips. I was faithful to number 3 , but been lazy for a while now. I will defintely get back on track and also put into practice your advice and see how it works.
I Think I really need to use this tips , I’ll Begin to this sunday!
This is great, planning your week in sunday nights shower before bed works! Pressing pause in your life is hard but so good. Great tips to work on, thanks
Very good tips, having no TV is really a good idea. I liked this quote ‘When you don’t have TV, you simply don’t miss it’
I guess you have read the book ‘Who will Cry when you die’…
awesome post, if u didn’t mind i translated it to Arabic
here : http://dh0oom.wordpress.com/2011/10/15/16tipstolive/
hope u didn’t mind![:)](http://web.archive.org./web/20111015224635im_/http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1306998965g)
best wishes
Not at all. Thanks for reading and translating.
“it takes a genius to live a simple life” … I fully agree with you as well. Nowadays it seems that there is a tendency to live a life that is more complex than it sould be. From now on, I will make sure that my life will be more simple.
Amazing tips….. simple but very very important……
Thanks for this tips, this seems to be amazing!
Evernote is great. I has really helped me out in many situations. I encourage everyone and their puppy to try it out. Also, I agree about the going to bed early and waking up early. Waking up early makes you feel like your day can be so productive. The going to bed early, I have trouble with actually doing myself, but it’s a work in progress!
thank you for the tip.
i have quit watching tv 3 years ago, only watch documentary if needed. living in london feels a bit different, however it is my intent do to so
Gotta figure out how to get Freshly Pressed one of these days….I just wrote something about simplifying my life after discovering the Minimalists.
Anyway, good tips, and mostly stuff I’ve heard before but fail to keep in practice. #12 will never happen, as it’s the reason I get paid.
I HAVE curtailed a lot of my home viewing, though….now to wean further from Crackbook–er, Facebook. And if I can figure out a way to make #4 work with my crazy work schedule, the rest will probably fall into place.
Great post… I took it one step further and quit my job, sold my house and I’m now on a round the world trip (posting this from Cambodia). I’ve lost 2 inches off my waist and my stress levels are halved… only thing is… I’ll need a job when I get back home… oh and a home for that matter!
Well done for taking a risk and living life!
Where to start……
As noted by one poster , too many rules can cause problems.
1) Not really a problem, as I don’t work in an office and don’t take a tablet or netbook with me.
2) Almost never do it.
3) Would like to, but since I reliously avoid
and 9) , it doesn’t affect me.
6) My weeks have more of a regular schedule than yours do perhaps, as I generally do without an appoinment book.
7) Since I’m a uni lecturer, that goes without comment.
10) Eaten a light breakfast the last 2 years, no worse for wear.
11) Been pushing my partner for years on this one..recycling makes more space .
12) Hmm , depends what you watch and what you do while you’re watching.
13) Ouch, my wife and I take 2-3 longer vacations a year, so in opinion you’re getting shortchanged.
14) My distractions are my students, so one learns to live with them .
15) and 16) Uh, perhaps less online time would be better?
Anyway, different ‘rules’ for different lives.
Thanks for your insights. As you say, the point is not the tips, but rather the principle of planning, vision, discipline and intentional living. Sometimes saying NO now gives us permission and freedom for greater things down the road. Thanks for reading.
sounds like a nice plan, must try it.
I’ve always been trying to find a Blog like this!
Welcome and enjoy. Thanks for your comment.
great entry! I’m glad i stumbled upon it!
Love the tips and I already try to do most of them. My all time favorite is #14. I can only wish I was distracted at work every 11 minutes. I think my phone rings or someone is knocking on my door every five. Drives me batty.
I really need these tips because I always feel so stressed out even on weekends. Sometimes I just want to shout and make the world stop but it doesn’t work that way. I need to make a step to declutter my life. Thanks for the tips and I really hope it will work for me. Thanks again!
Thank you, Self discipline really matters a lot, but I am having a hard time to practice it, perhaps with the help of this friendly guide, i’d be able to make things that I am supposed to do on time.
Perhaps, these are our common base loopholes or hindrances which takes a back seat towards productivity & day today life. I don’t agree with a big breakfast instead a nice & healthy light meal. Really inspiring, thanks.
Great ideas! Friends of mine recently got rid of cable so they could focus more of their time on each other and their marriage. They’ve been able to save money and have reconnected again.
That’s great. My wife an I have experienced much the same. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the useful tips and please allow me to copy this note to post on my facebook wall and share with my friends who are also needing these advises
No problem. Thanks for sharing.
so glad i read this! consider my life changed.
Great list! Forgive me for adding one of my own. “17. Review this list daily until it becomes a habit.”
Thanks!
– CC
thanks for this :]
I don’t know, this advice sounds dangerous to me. Getting up early leads to genocide and accounting.
Both of which are deadly, particularly accounting