Modern life is complicated. There are taxes, insurance, mortgages, financial plans to evaluate. There are so many choices today that even grocery shopping can be exhausting. A study revealed that when we have to make a choice, it taxes our brain to the extent that it reduces our ability to think as effectively. No joke. If you went to the store and had to choose a box of cereal and were considering all the options, and then were given a math test, you’d get a lower score than if you hadn’t just been making a choice about the cereals beforehand. Amazing little factoid that we can put to use immediately to make life easier.
The key is to preserve your brain strength for the important things by automating as many of life’s routine decisions as you can. Once you set up the system, then you’ll save time for years after and maybe for the rest of your life. Here are some ways that you can simplify or automate:
Talane’s Top Ten Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Pay all your bills online and use automatic direct debit when possible. This saves not only time, but postage as well. A hassle to set up the first time so make sure you use a bank worth sticking with for the long term.
2. Order your groceries online and get them delivered. If you don’t have this service in your area, you can delegate this task to one of your children or pay a neighbor or an assistant to do this for you. Better yet, hire a chef or a meal service to do it all for you.
3. Create a weekly menu plan and use the same plan every week. It is worth spending some time and thought to create a simple, delicious and nutritious menu. And once you’ve done that, stick with it as that means your weekly shopping will be much simpler as well and you’ll come to look forward to spaghetti night on Thursdays (or whatever you are having)! Food shopping and cooking can consume so much of our time and attention putting it on automatic pilot can free you up to focus on other things. And, if you want to shed some excess pounds, why not identify out the perfect weekly menu that has you do just that and stick to it? Much easier than counting calories every week. Rotate your menu plan seasonally.
4. Simplify your workout. Try The Power of 10, The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution or Your Body is Your Gym to simplify your workout. Just half an hour a week and you can double or triple the weights you lift in three months. (I personally do this with my husband and it really works to build strength quickly and it usually only takes twenty minutes a week now that we have the hang of it.)
5. Get someone else to mow the lawn – your kids, the neighbor’s kids. Unless you love mowing the lawn that is. Consider replacing your grass with low-maintenance ground cover. Check with a good garden center to see what pretty ground cover options work well in your geographic area. (We installed the new, remarkable fake lawn for out tiny courtyard garden and love it!)
6. Check email, voicemail, Facebook twice a day maximum. This stuff is supposed to free us up, not consume every waking moment of our life and it can if you use it properly!
7. Get a simple wardrobe. Have a professional image consultant design a simple wardrobe for you. Or do like Armani who only wears black – how simple is that?
8. Identify Your Top 100 Things. Simplify your stuff. Make a list of the 100 things that you own that are truly your favorite possessions. This makes getting rid of the rest easier. Try this mantra, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
9. Out with the Old. When you buy one new thing, get rid of three old things so you’ll always be creating space for new and better things to come to you.
10. Make Water Your Drink. The most popular drinks are coffee, tea sodas, milk, alcoholic beverages and fruit juices. None of these are particularly good for you. Buy a filter for your kitchen sink and you’ll have filtered water to drink on tap. A cheap, green and healthy alternative to just about everything else. Take note: Caffeinated drinks and sodas are addictive so you’ll need to wean yourself off gradually over the course of three weeks or be prepared for headaches.
These are just a few ideas to get you started.
Homework: Pick one thing you can do this week and you’ll be on your way to an easier and more enjoyable life!
Reading Assignment: Tip 13, Coach Yourself to Success
Recommended Reading: Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James
Warmest,
Talane
