The concept of simplicity has been emphasized by Leonardo da Vinci, who believed that it is the ultimate sophistication. It applies to all aspects of life, including relationships, work, home, money, and even the mind and heart. Decluttering is one of the most effective ways to achieve simplicity, which is the focus of this article.
The benefits of decluttering are many, including saving time, making better choices, prioritizing, focusing on what really matters, aiding memory, being consistent, and getting peace by removing complexities. To achieve simplicity, the following steps need to be followed:
1. LEARN - Learn how clutter and lack of simplicity affect the area of your focus, such as finance, productivity, or time.
2. ADD : It would be rare that you would need anything to be added to your chosen target area of decluttering. However, it is possible and perhaps even a good time to add the most important things which you have been missing out since long. In finance for example , a comprehensive financial plan could be the one thing you are likely to be missing out.
3. PRIORITIZE : Prioritize and identify what is most important to you. What is the one thing you can and cannot live without? Organising into important and not important is an important step and you really would need to be strict here.
4. TARGET : The first step is to decide what to declutter? Since almost everything around us may be cluttered, deciding where to start is an important step. Choose an area or subject which you feel requires urgent attention and has been draining you out mentally or physically. This could be your finances, relationships or even your kitchen or wardrobe.
5. REDUCE : Reduce things that are unnecessary or hold no real value, such as consolidating investments, closing unused accounts, reducing debt, etc. Ruthlessly cut out the inessentials.
