7 Ideas for a Simple Life

7 ideas for a simple life that build a new mindset. These are things I’ve heard before. Unfortunately, when something is too simple, it tends to be overlooked. Because we have the impression that it has to be complicated to be taken seriously. These ideas have worked for me, and that’s the only validation I need.

1. Change is allowed; every day can be a new beginning.

Change is always allowed.

Taoists talk about the physical and mental harm of rigidity.

They are not the only ones!

Nothing is permanent is one of the universal truths expressed in different ways!

“Sic transit gloria mundi!”

In the 14th century, there was a custom that, at the enthronement of a pope, a monk would come three times in front of him to burn a piece of hemp, saying: “Sancta Pater, sic transit gloria mundi.”

The custom is older. Roman generals, with the permission of the Roman Senate, had the right to a triumph, a ceremony that marked the peak of their careers. They would parade on a golden chariot, but behind the general was a man who had to repeat to the celebrated one: “Remember that you are mortal.” A wise call to humility, indeed!

Nothing is permanent is also one of the Four Noble Truths formulated by Buddha. We will find this idea in the Bible as well.

After all, every day is a new beginning.

2. Not everything needs to be optimized; simplification brings joy.

The saying goes that the better is the enemy of the good, as Voltaire formulated it. The idea is very subtle and emphasizes how important moderation is. I wonder who has never experienced this truth.

3. Choice is better than indecision.

If we can correct a decision, what’s the point of postponing it? Good decisions result from a trial-and-error process as a result of life experience.

Thus, the sooner we make a decision, the sooner we get feedback and accumulate experience. The best advice I received in entrepreneurship was: allow yourself to be a beginner!

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff; many won’t matter in the long run.

The trap is that seen up close and experienced in day-to-day life, things seem… colossal! That’s why I believe that the practice of meditation is useful. It helps us step out of the stories or illusions we willingly get caught up in.

5. Not everything is worth arguing about; choose your battles wisely.

Acquiring this wisdom can take a lifetime. I know that practicing humility and moderation is very important.

6. You are the only one who has to live with your choices.

This means that I don’t have to justify my choices to anyone. Unfortunately, social pressure tends to dictate what we eat, our consumption habits, or how we raise our children. It’s not a bad thing. We need to be aware that it exists and determine how much we allow social pressure to influence us. The idea is not to become antisocial in behavior.

7. Desires can complicate matters; carefully evaluate whether it is worth taking action.

“Desires are things of man, but happiness depends on how he knows how to control and direct these desires.” — Seneca