Keep it Simple.

I’ve noticed a stark difference in my level of happiness and tranquility during short-term points of minimization. Granted I’m living and active, however, the duration of time in which I am living seemingly effortlessly is when I am the happiest. Little to no stress or worry goes so far and most of it is attained by a simple, uncomplicated, and organized habits. All of these positive habits are formed by preparation. I have found the simple mystery in itself to trim down the stress and unnecessary waste that we consume and produce in our daily lives. When I say ‘waste,’ I’m not strictly talking about recycling – like some tree huggers I know – I’m talking about physical and emotional human energy. When preparing for future expectations I cross off another need on the ongoing ‘to-do’ list. The less on the list, the better. It’s not just crossing those chores off, but setting each up so they can be accomplished more easily. If you’re painting a room, you need to lay out the bed sheets over the carpet or wood flooring. You then need to tape around fixtures and light switches, arrange the supplies, mix the paint, and develop a strategy that will serve as a most efficient way of quality and time – unless you’re one of those people who enjoy painting walls for hours on end. Not preparing in advance, such buying the supplies and possibly covering the floors in advance will hoard your time and energy when you’re ready to get to the project at hand – painting those walls.
I have developed habits of my own that have eased my laborious tasks, some you may practice already yourself. All of these habits undoubtedly come from preparation – and that’s exactly where I start.

- Making a grocery list. Simple task right? Sometimes you just don’t have pen and paper on hand and you think you can photographically memorize what’s in your fridge and pantry before hitting the grocery store. We’ve all arrived and said to ourselves, “ahhh what was it that I needed?!” or, you come home to unload and we’ve all done this, “crap, I forgot….” Making a list does two things: first, you will minimize your chance of forgetting something, only having to do without or having to go back. Second, it will save you money. Yes – by sticking to a list you will be less tempted to pick up the crap you see stores peddling on the ends of isles. I keep a pad and pen in one of my cabinets to write down an item that I know I’m going to have to pick up on my next trip.

- I work out in the morning. I know it’s not feasible for everyone, though in all honesty, I think it is for most. I strongly advise setting that alarm clock to get you going before you kick your day off. Working out first thing will wake you up and charge your energy. Whether you want to look into the scientific studies or not, I can tell you from personal experience that once you get used to this great morning habit – your energy will be more balanced throughout the day. For the simplicity factor, here’s why: One, you don’t have to pack an extra bag of workout gear for your lunch break or after work, your sweat drenched clothes are already in the laundry and you’ve already done what most others abhor to have to fit into their schedule. Two, everybody has to take a shower and prepare themselves in the morning. It’s unbelievable how much energy and time people put into getting ready (i.e. showering, blow drying hair, cosmetics, changing), why do this twice?!

- Pay the bills on time. Most common sense right? It’s sometimes one of the hardest things for individuals to keep track of, letting alone get themselves to do it. The mere thought of writing a check or calling in touch-tone phone number having to relinquish your money, for … ugh, utilities, can be a retracting force in itself. Set up online billing – that’s a duty in itself if you don’t already have online banking. Write due dates in your planner (come to think of it, step one: get a planner if you don’t have one) and check your online accounts daily to monitor the withdrawals. It doesn’t take much time, but it decreases the uncertainty of whether or not that particular bill was paid on time and it makes you feel more in control of your finances.

- Cook your own meals and take advantage of the fridge and freezer. It doesn’t take that much to learn the basics of cooking, and most recipes recite quite detailed instructions for even the most novice cook. Cooking your own meals saves money and calories. Making more healthy choices simplifies your diet and it gives you the creative power to go off on your own and experiment with flavors. When I cook, I usually make 3 or 4 servings so I can refrigerate or freeze them for those weekdays that I limited time or an inpatient appetite. Whether it’s chilli, lasagna, bbq chicken, lemon pepper pork – I’ve a got a surplus of good food in less than an hour of spending time in the kitchen.

- If you have the time to get it done, do it. This goes back far in time to our human affinity for procrastination. We love to leave things till the end, but what enjoyment do we really have knowing that we’ve got priorities to take care of while trying to relax? Being prepared is a response to avoiding ‘proslackination’. I feel so much better, so much more relaxed, having caught up or better – getting ahead, on my schedule. Doesn’t a good beer taste so much better when you don’t have to worry about drinking it while working at the same time? That’s my own odd rhetoric – take it or leave it.

Though I can’t say I follow my simple tactics, and there’s much more well beyond this small list, however getting myself to make it a habit is progressive role I take