Are you an overachiever, doer and go-getter? Always wanting to have, do and be more? What if I told you this outlook was actually holding you back from the life you truly desire? In this post I’m sharing 7 things to quit to simplify your life.
Wouldn’t you love to have more time, energy and balance, rather than constantly feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated?
Quitting habits takes work (believe me). But it’s more than worth it to help you slow down and simplify life.
Complaining
Let me start off by saying that there’s nothing wrong with communicating.
The problem is when it shifts to complaining. This can easily turn into a negative spiral. You start off with one complaint, then you begin to find more and more things to complain about. How you don’t get enough time to yourself, you barely sleep and your to-do list feels never-ending.
A quote I read recently was “complaining doesn’t comfort you.” And oh, how true that is.
Even if the things you’re saying are true, complaining is a form of ingratitude. So as a reminder (to myself first), tame your tongue and be grateful for your blessings. Be content with the things you have, the season of life you’re currently in, and all the simple moments you get to experience right now.
Comparing
Once you start comparing your life, abilities and even your children to others, suddenly nothing is good enough.
Most of us have fallen into the comparison trap at one point or another. Especially now that the view into people’s lives is so readily available via social media. But here’s another reminder… what you see on social media is not reality, it is strategically curated content.
Even when it comes to people you know in your personal life. You are seeing what they choose to show you. And though everyone’s life is different, we all go through tests, hardships, struggles and failures.
Perfectionism
Being a perfectionist can either make you dissatisfied with the result of your work. Or put you off from even making a start in the first place.
Letting go of perfectionism is hard, but it’s like lifting a weight off your shoulders.
As a mother especially, you have innocent little eyes watching you attentively. So remember to be kind to yourself when you make a mistake or don’t achieve what you wanted.
The way you talk to yourself, is more than likely the way your children will talk to themselves one day.
Impatience
We live in a time that the desire for instant gratification is perhaps at an all time high. We want things and we want them now.
But there’s something to be said about having things to look forward to. The excitement and anticipation you feel for the forthcoming luxury.
Being easily offended
We often assume people’s intentions towards us, when a lot of the time it’s just that… an assumption and nothing more.
If you change your thought process and think positively you’ll see how much simpler your life can become.
And even if someone did actually intend harm, it only affects you if you allow it to. If you dwell and let it control your thoughts and emotions.
Sometimes you just need to sip on your tea and pay no mind.
Holding on to clutter
How do you simplify your life and live minimally?
By letting go of the non-essentials and improving your space.
I know it’s not always that simple though. A lot of the time we hold on to things out of guilt, because someone bought it for us and we feel bad for getting rid of it. Or you spent money on it and “might need it someday”.
But if something is in your space that’s not being used, appreciated or loved then perhaps its time to let it go.
Obsessing over productivity
When you start equating your self-perception and self-worth to your level of productivity and accomplishments, life tends to get complicated.
You need to have a healthy balance between productivity and “play”.
Sometimes it’s okay to do things simply for the process, rather than hyperfixating on the result.
If you can, make time for things you enjoy, whether it be sewing, gardening or writing.
Simple living doesn’t have to be complicated.
