Thanks to technology and everything that comes with it, we’ve got so many options to make our lives more convenient. We can buy everything we need online, without having to get out of the house. We can pay bills, make bank transactions, arrange schedules, and plan trips – all from the comforts of our homes.
Gadgets, appliances, and smart homes – all these add to the quality of life.
Or do they, really?
Take a hard, honest look at your life. Look around you. Take inventory of what you have. On a scale of 1 to 10, how simple is your life? Do all your belongings and the technology you use really make your life more meaningful? Is work controlling you? Do you have little to no time for family and friends? Do you work on weekends? When was the last time you had a vacation?
The past couple of years may have helped you simplify things — the pandemic has certainly given us a new perspective. However, I am sure that there are still people who could use a little less clutter in their lives; who could cut back or prune some things.
If you’re having a difficult time doing that, here’s a handy flowchart that may shed light on your situation. It will help you simplify your life if you need to do so.
Related: Take Control of Your Time
I find it helpful because I admit that I have fallen into the trap of gathering material things and relying on tech – hard and deep. I’ve realized that it’s time to change my lifestyle and habits. It’s time to gather experiences and memories more than my shiny toys. It’s time to focus on work during the week and spend weekends doing something unrelated to work. It’s time to spend more time with family and friends, even if it’s only hanging out at home or eating meals together.
Maybe you need to simplify your life, too?
First published in 2017; updated March 2022
