Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Own Less and Gain More

A recent Oprah episode includes an interview with billionaire Tom Shadyac director, who decided to simplify his life by abandoning his mansion and many of their belongings. His old house had 17 rooms (although I was not sure how many!) And 13 bathrooms. The small a mobile home with three bedrooms and 2 baths, and has never been happier. It was fascinating to hear him describe how the release was set aside so many material things as he felt the weight of his old lifestyle lifting of the shoulders.

It can certainly relate to his feeling that traditional measures of success - possessions and hectic lifestyle - overwhelm us. After all, I spend the day helping people cut their belongings and simplify their schedules. I see first hand the amount of time and energy people spent on shopping and caring for things and work to pay for them, but are not necessarily happy about owning them. I see their schedules packed full of activities for them and their children, but often just sitting quietly at home reading a book or enjoy your family to be happy.

I know it is not easy nor realistic for most people simplify their lives to the extent Mr. Shadyac did, but I do know that there are plenty of people who would like their life a little less complicated. Years ago I read the book Your Money or Your Life, which presented the expenses of view as to the amount of energy in one's life should be spent to cover every expense. For example, how many hours I have to work to earn enough money after taxes to buy a new pair of shoes? Before shopping, it would be prudent to determine if he was willing to work x number of hours to pay.

Although I've never been one to strive to be the owner of a large quantity of goods, when you buy things that are not edible, I often wonder if it's worth the energy of life that would have to spend to get it. I can use this technique when we consider entertainment expenses as well - is it worth for me to work x number of hours to attend a special concert, play, sporting event, etc. I've certainly made some purchases that I "I regretted, but in general I can say that my conscious consumption has made my life easier and happier.

I wonder if you've tried to simplify your life - you've been successful? Are you happier than would otherwise have been?

Relax and enjoy the simplicity, harmony and freedom.

Professional Organizer internationally renowned author and speaker Sue Becker is the founder and owner of From Piles to Smiles ®. He likes to help people live better through the creation of customized systems to overcome their overwhelming paperwork, disorder, and schedules. She specializes in helping people who are chronically disorganized, especially people with AD / HD. Sue is the first Illinois certificate of professional organizer in chronic disorganization.










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