Word of the Year 2015: Simplify

For the past two years I had a word of the year to help guide the changes I wanted to make that year. 2013 was the year to “be” and 2014 was all about focus. 2015 is my year devoted to simplifying.

I read this quote by Orson Welles and it cemented the word simplify as my choice – “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” I need limitations in my life. I have too many choices. This does not bode well for someone with such a high level of distractability such as myself. I’m looking forward to a year of simplifying my life. This includes my time, but also my possessions.

Simplifying goes hand in hand with minimalism, so I’ve been reading a lot on Becoming Minimalist. Here are a couple of resonating snippets to inspire some reading.

Purge distractions so you can focus on what is most valued.

…purging not just possessions, but, in Becker’s words, “anything that distracts me from the things I most value.” For some, this means not Facebooking after dinner or binge-watching House of Cards. For others, it’s resisting the siren call of eBay. (Source: Success – How Living with Less Can Give You More)

Place limits on yourself to increase awareness.

Start with a week of no spending, or a month. Once you start, you’ll recognize where those temptations are for you. That awareness can really help people. (Source: Forbes – The Buy Nothing Year: How Two Roommates Saved More Than $55,000)

Whether they be social, financial, or moral, boundaries provide structure and a framework for life. They promote discovery, invention, and ingenuity. Boundaries motivate us to discover happiness in our present circumstance. (Source: Becoming Minimalist – 9 Stress-Reducing Truths About Money).

Be active in your life, not a passive participant.

Watch less television…Be intentional about planning something else…Try to eliminate specific shows. (Source: Becoming Minimalist- The Single Easiest Habit Change to Improve Your Life Forever)

Seize the opportunity of every moment.

Make the most of every opportunity. Forgive who needs to be forgiven. Express love and gratitude to those who deserve to hear it. Live lives of significance. Each new day is an opportunity to make a difference. Don’t waste it. (Source: Becoming Minimalist – In the Blink of an Eye).

For me, simplifying means being intentional – intentional about my actions and habits so my time is well spent. This requires reflection, awareness, and change. I am looking forward to the growth that will result from this word. Simplify!