I have committed to a life of having less. Fewer clothes, less stress, less entertainment, and less TV. There's a whole lot less that I can do without. I am on a mission to have less of anything that distracts me from the things that matter in life. At the core of my journey of having less has been creating good habits that drive my new life commitment.
There are many good and positive habits that you and I can adopt that will lead to the life we have always pursued. Whether you are aiming to be less materialistic or accomplish a life-long goal, there are many different habits that you can adopt. Below are some practices I have adopted on my journey of living a life of less.
Commit to doing something different
It's a cliche -- but a very true cliche -- insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. Committing to something different from what you have always done would be best. Yes, it takes willpower, inner strength, a renewed mind, or simply being sick and tired of doing the same thing. Whatever it takes to do something different, you must commit and find the strength to change.
Create a routine
Once you commit, you have to create a routine. It might sound boring, like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch every day. But practices will keep you focused, grounded, and committed to any life change you have adopted. If you decide to start going to the gym three to five times a week, then set up a routine to go to the gym at the same time every day. If it's 5 AM or 5 PM, could you pick a time slot and stick to it?
Allow for flex
After you adopt a routine, you can keep the momentum going, but you can learn to flex. Life happens to us all. If you commit to going to the gym at 5 AM, but one day you don't make it for whatever reason, Don't consider your habit and routine shot. Shrug it off, accept it, and move on; get back into your performance the next day, and don't look back. Feeling defeated or cheated is easy because you temporarily quit your routine. But don't let that distract you from the journey that you are on.
Shun the mainstream
Refrain from following the mainstream. Did you know that only about 20 percent of the American population workout? In other words, 80 percent of mainstream Americans do not get the recommended exercise. Following the crowd is not the way to go if you want to create good habits. If you wish to transform your life to have less and follow the mainstream, there is a perfect chance you won't invest in the things you want to do.
Resist the pressures of marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising can make you think you need that new shiny thing. Whatever that new shiny thing might be. In the United States, companies spend nearly $183 billion annually, or $567 per person, to get you to buy stuff. Also, material goods are becoming less expensive to get people to buy things they do not need. Don't fall into the trap!
Invest in relationships
Instead of buying things, substitute them with investing time in others. Nothing can replace the value of having good relationships. If you will have distractions, get distracted with good relationships, not material things that will soon wear out. Could you make it a point to invest time with those closest to whom you can add value and vice-versa?
Say "no" to addictions
Stay away from addictive behaviors. Drug and alcohol abuse can ruin everything you can think of. If there is one thing you don't want too much of- or none- it is drugs and alcohol.
Be grateful
And in everything, be grateful. Develop a habit of gratitude; you might not have everything you want. But you have a lot compared to others. So be thankful you have the basics: food, shelter, and clothing. Anything above and beyond is extra; you can use it to help others.
It's never too late or too early to start new habits that lead to a life of less, like me, or a different lifestyle from what you currently have. No matter your life goals, create good habits that will pave the way to your desired life.
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