f you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you want a simpler life — this is the list for you!
I’ve seen this simple formula for living list a few times before, and wanted to share it with you. I’ve added a few of my own simple living ideas to the list, to give you more ideas on how you can embrace a quieter, slower, more contented way of living.
Here’s the simple formula for living a happy life.
1. Live below your means
Aim to live your own life below your means. Don’t spend more than you can afford to. Cut out things you don’t need, so you can save and enjoy your money more. Strive for a simple life, if that’s what you want.
2. Return all that you borrow
Remember to return things to their original owner if you borrow them. Try to return library books on time. Repay friends for money they’ve let you borrow. Return clothes and other belongings as soon as you can.
3. Don’t blame others
Try not to place blame on other people, even when it feels like it’s the logical response. Reflect on the situation and move on, if you can. Apply this to yourself too — acknowledge your faults, but don’t let blame defeat you.
4. Admit when you make a mistake
Be honest and transparent when you make a mistake. Tell someone you’ve messed up, so it can be fixed in the best way possible. Own up to your mistakes, and seek ways to address them. Model what you’d want to see from others.
5. Give what you don’t need to charity
Donate anything that you don’t need so it can go to a new home. Go on a big decluttering drive, remove what you don’t need from your home, and embrace minimalism. Take your clothes, belongings, collectibles, and electricals to be donated or recycled for the greater good.
6. Do something nice just because
Do something for someone else because you can, and not because you want recognition for it. Pay for someone’s order in the coffee shop. Offer to help someone that’s struggling. Helping others with small acts of kindness doesn’t cost us much, but can brighten someone’s whole day.
7. Talk less and listen more
Get into the habit of being an active listener in the conversations you’re in. Listen, ask questions, and be a better friend to those around you. Speak up when you have something meaningful to add, or want to share something you’re excited about.
8. Enjoy a short walk every day
Go for a short 30 minute walk every day, where you can. Not only is this a positive habit to create for fitness and wellbeing, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to escape our busy lives and reconnect with what matters.
9. Appreciate those around you
Make time for your friends, family members, and community. Express gratitude for the people you call family, and appreciate all that they’ve done for you. At the same time, appreciate your own personal growth and contributions to those around you.
10. Aim for progress, not perfection
Refocus your attention on taking steps towards what you want, and normalize small progress. Know that you’ll make mistakes along the way. The goal is to make progress, not to stay perfect the whole way through the journey.
11. Be on time, without excuses
Aim to make every appointment, event, and meeting on time. Be early if you can. Showing up late can show disrespect, even if you don’t mean it, so be the change you want to see in others and turn up before everything starts.
12. Avoid arguments with others
Try not to get into arguments with people — especially those you’re not close to. You can’t change other people’s opinions on most things, so don’t waste valuable energy trying. Take that energy and give it to something positive instead.
13. Get organized
Give yourself a goal to get organized across your life, home, work, and relationships. Tidy up your home, and embrace simple living. Create a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Carry this organization habit through every aspect of your life.
14. Be kind, even to those that aren’t
Be kind to everyone — even unkind people. It’s often those that lash out or seem irrational that need our love and support the most. We all need kindness in our lives and it’s easy to give if we take a little time.
15. Let people ahead of you in line
If you have time, let someone ahead of you in line at the grocery store, coffee shop, or store queue. This is a simple way to brighten someone’s day and create a positive atmosphere around you. They’ll often repay the favor to someone else that day or another, too.
16. Take time to be alone
Get comfortable with being alone. Prioritize some alone time in your schedule to breathe, chill out, and figure out what your goals are. Plan a self care day to get some quality time alone. Spend your time reading affirmations, doing light exercise, reading, or writing a bucket list of things you want to do.
17. Build good manners
Try to display the best manners at all times and respect people’s beliefs and ways of living. Take your shoes off if asked, hold the door open, and don’t talk while you’re eating. Bad manners can cost us opportunities and damage relationships, even over things that might seem minor.
18. Be humble
Stay humble and modest. Don’t let compliments and ego go to your head. Appreciate people’s comments with good grace, celebrate your achievements, but don’t be led by them. A humbler, minimalist life is a happier life.
19. Accept that life isn’t fair
Embrace the notion that life isn’t fair. We’re not all dealt the same hand, or given the same opportunities. Most of us have to pave our own way through challenges and stressful situations. Knowing that life isn’t fair lets you move past the frustration and focus on progress.
20. Know when to keep your mouth shut
Understand that not everything is worth saying. Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is a valuable skill if you value simple living. Sometimes it’s best to say nothing rather than risk an argument, upsetting someone, or closing a door that you might want to open in the future.
21. Criticize nobody the entire day
Try to go the whole day without criticizing someone. Many of us criticize others each day without even noticing — even if it’s just commenting on someone’s outfit online. Practice positivity for a day and see if you can keep the habit up for longer.
22. Learn from the past, plan for a good future
Revisit the past and learn lessons from it, but don’t dwell on it. Use those lessons and learnings to become a better version of yourself, move on from challenging moments, and move ahead with your new goals.
23. Live in the present moment
Aim to live every day as if you’re in the moment. Be present for yourself and those around you. Capture moments and memories, but don’t let your camera get in the way of what’s happening right now. Being present is a great way to feel like you’re leading a more meaningful life.
24. Enjoy the simple things in life
Embrace the simple pleasures in life. Find joy in small moments around you — like the smell of freshly washed clothes, or the breeze on your skin. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and try not to let the big things bother you either. It’s all small stuff when you think about the scale of life, anyway.
Download your free printable
To help you remember this simple formula for living I’ve created a free printable. It’s in A4 format, but you can easily print in a smaller size if you like!
All you need to do is click the image below to open in a new window and download your simple formula for living poster. No purchase or email necessary!
What would you add to this simple formula for living?
These ideas and tips are known as the simple formula for living, but what would you add to the list to make it more complete? I’d love to know in the comments!
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