A Simple Life Is a Better Life

Posted on July 29th, 2010 by Todd Smith - View Comments |

What are some of the things you enjoy most in life? What do you value most? What kinds of activities are on your list of the most favorite things to do?

I’m guessing that making repairs, paying bills, managing investments, shopping for insurance, filing paperwork, or dealing with problems aren’t anywhere near the top of your list. If you’re like me, they don’t even make the cut.

I like the simple things like spending time with my family and friends. Going for long walks on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Relaxing in the majestic, serene Smoky Mountains where there’s no phone or Internet service.

Today’s lesson is about recognizing the advantages that a simple life has to offer. And I truly believe that a simple life is about making decisions that result in your ability to spend more time doing the things you enjoy—the activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment.

Accumulation of Possessions

Over the years, I have learned that it is the accumulation of things that prevents us from doing what we enjoy. I know this having lived both kinds of lifestyles—one of material affluence and a simpler, unencumbered life. I can tell you with certainty that a simple life is a better life.

From the earliest days, my goal was to make enough money so that I could invest wisely, retire early, and have plenty of time to devote to the things that bring me the most joy. Ironically, I ended up getting trapped (temporarily) by the very things I purchased to make me happy.

As most people do when they achieve a certain level of financial success, I made a list of things to purchase, including a dream home, new cars and a boat. I succumbed to the false notion that having bigger and better things—jet skis, properties, and yes, even a Harley Davidson motorcycle—would lead to more happiness.

What I quickly discovered was that when you accumulate more than you need, you pay a much higher price for these things in terms of your time, worry, frustration, and emotional energy.

How to Avoid the Trap

The best way to trap a monkey is to build a cage with an opening just large enough for his hand to fit though so that he can grab a cookie or banana inside the cage. He will grab the item in his fist and will not be able to pull his hand back out of the hole. This makes for a very effective trap because it never occurs to the monkey that he will be free if he will only loosen his grip and let go of the treat in his hand.

While I like to think I’m smarter than a monkey, it took me a while to realize that my responsibilities as a landlord, repairman, and investment manager were taking over my life. In short, taking care of my stuff was consuming me. I wasn’t even able to enjoy what I had. I knew I had to let go of something in order to get out of the trap.

Are you enjoying your favorite things at this time in your life? If you find that you’re too busy to do so, it may be time to prioritize. Do you enjoy a balance between work and your personal life? If not, what could you change about your present situation?

Deciding to let go of things you own and have worked hard to attain isn’t always easy. But usually it’s letting go of things that frees you to live a fuller and richer life.

Start Living a Better Life

I now think twice before buying anything that has the potential to add complexity to my life. We live in a modest home that meets our needs. It’s easier and less expensive to maintain than any of our previous homes.

My family and I like to travel during the hot summer months, so rather than purchase a vacation property we rent one whenever and wherever we want. When we check out, we don’t have to worry about a thing.

The concept of renting instead of buying certainly isn’t new, but it used to be thought of as an option for people who didn’t have money to buy things. I say that even if you have money to purchase something, always consider renting as a first option. This is one of the wisest ways to not only live a simple life, but also to live within, not beyond, your means.

When you do have money to spend, ask yourself:

Do I really need to own this?
Will this purchase add more complexity to my life?
What kind of time will I have to invest if I make this purchase?
Does this purchase come with any hidden emotional energy investment that I may regret later?

More often than not, you will find that the purchases you’re considering will cost you much more than the price tag leads you to believe. As your income and success grow, I encourage you to keep things simple and put an emphasis on saving and giving, not on spending.

Happiness doesn’t come from the accumulation of things. It comes from being satisfied with who you are and the pleasure you get from the relationships and quality of life you enjoy.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 30 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are ranked #27 in America’s top 100 podcasts and #1 in the personal and development field.)

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Tags: Emotions, Family, Goals, Relationships, Things you were never taught

Rana Sinha

Great points. If we run after more and more, we tend not to appreciate what we have. This decreases the quality of life, truly.
Todd Smith

Hi Rana- Thanks for taking your time to contribute to this post. I agree 100% with your comments. Todd
William Skubovius

Todd,

Along with this article, I absolutely love what you have created for the betterment of society. I commend you for what you have done with this website, your ability to share your life experiences with others, and the focus around the importance of family.
I especially enjoyed this article as it also reflects what I have had to face. Being born into an average family I have always strived for success, hoping that with success and money, and "things", I could live a happier life. Once I achieved all that I realized my beliefs were very wrong. Wants in my opinion eventually become vices. After a while you are constantly seeking new possessions which means you are constantly having to raise the bar with respect to income and the hours spent working, all while sacrificing your personal time and your family.
I can tell you that getting away from the "trap" is a very good feeling once you start to do it. It makes you want to continue finding little things to cut back on but still be happy. I thank you, and my family thanks you for your inspiration. I hope we have a chance to meet some day.
Sincerely,
William S.
Todd Smith

Hi William,

Thanks so much for your encouraging words. They are appreciated.

It appears we share many things in common. I too hope we have a chance to meet some day.

Have a great day!

Todd
Oliver Tausend

Hi Todd,

as usual, a great post offering amazing truths.

Several ideas flash into my mind...

One of my German mentors said:

"Even if you drive a Bentley, the road you're driving on remains the same - including traffic lights and traffic jams."

Khoo Swee Chiow, an adventurer from Singapore writes in his book "Journeys to the ends of the earth":

"It doesn't matter if ten thousand people have climbed Everest. I still need to go and find out if I can climb it."

Who is right ? I would say both of them - and you are right also.

In order to learn that we don't really need all this luxury stuff we need to have it first - if we want it. I don't think that there's a short cut to this type of enlightenment.

You are right that we should pay attention that we don't get eaten up by our desires and our stuff. That's why I embrace the idea of renting stuff - we don't need to possess everything in order to be able to use it.

Simplicity ? One of my favourite meals for example is a specialty from Brittany, France. It's called "Crêpe au caramel à beurre salé" - nothing more than a super thin pan cake with caramel flavoured with sea salt butter - home made of course, usually accompanied by a glass of cider. That's heaven on earth.

Have a great weekend

Oliver
Todd Smith

Hi Oliver- Thanks for sharing your perspective on my post. Great points! Todd
Kindra Hall

I read an article recently (I think it was a Yahoo! feature) about "Jay's Tiny Homes." The man builds homes that are as small as 74 square feet. I was mesmerized by the video and found myself longing for less space and fewer things. While I don't know if 74 square feet would suit me, I definitely felt a slight shift within me toward living modestly -- and it felt better than I expected. Thank you for confirming that.
Todd Smith

Hi Kindra- I was talking with my Realtor yesterday who is one of the top Realtors in Sarasota. She said the trend is definitely towards smaller homes. She said people are tired of maintaining, air conditioning, heating and cleaning large unused areas of their homes. While smaller is better, I do think 74 sq ft is a little small. :-) Thanks!
Ernesto Busnelli

Thank you for clearing out some few spider webs. I was a bit confused on this but you just lifted the fog on it. Cannot elaborate here but no need either.
I applaud your clarity for setting priorities correctly.
Todd Smith

Thanks Ernesto!
Markadavy

I have lived a very fortunate life, but can attest to the fact a big house or fancy car, while nice, are not what counts! It is the pure enjoyment of family, good friends, and all that the world has to offer that are really important.
Todd Smith

Mark- It was great seeing you last night. As friends and neighbors we have gone down the same road together. Thanks for your friendship!
Jgmartin

Well said...you figured it out early in life!
Todd Smith

I just wish I had figured it out even earlier.
Vipin Wadhwa

This is a realy awesome post. Keep up the good work Ted. You are making a difference :)
Todd Smith

Vipin- Thanks for your comment. Todd
Jtaylor863

Thanks for this great post. I have to agree with you. I am in the midst of discovering that a simple life is a better life. Our society always wants more and more when in reality it doesn't mean nothing. I currently work from my apartment in Montreal and am thinking of moving to Mexico for a few months! Enjoy life because it passes by fast!
Todd Smith

Hi J Taylor, Thanks for your comment. I can assure you it will be warmer in Mexico than Canada come January! :-) It looks like you on headed on a journey and I hope you enjoy it. Todd
Saraerb

I am living proof of this. Now I say Less is L'Amour!
Todd Smith

Hi Sara- Are you the same Sara Erb for Sarasota? If so, I hope you and Sam are doing well. If not, oops, I have the wrong Sara. :-) Thanks! Todd
Denny

After visiting you briefly at your large home many years ago (loved the fish tank!), I remember wondering how you kept up with all your property and possesions.

More power to you for having the courage to contradict the 'American Dream' which equates possesions with success. I'm very glad to hear that you and your family have settled into a more manageable home and lifestyle.

It's been a priviledge, Todd, to observe the success, growth and maturing of such an outstanding individual as yourself.

Thank you for your willingness to be transparent and share with us so many valuable insights into true success!
Todd Smith

Hi Denny,

Don't remind me of the fish tank. That is perfect example of the point I am making in today's post. Those fish! We had to have a company interrupt us every week to clean the tank. We had to deal with dead fish. We had to deal with algae on the glass when the temperate got to hot. I had to pay an extra check each month to the aquarium cleaning company. When we went on vacations, we had to have someone feed these fish. (I did not even like them) All of that work for some pretty little fish swimming in our foyer. Whew, thanks for the reminder that a simple life is a better life.

I also appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Todd
donnabrewer

Good morning Todd, this was a wonderful lesson for today. I have to smile at a discussion I was having a while back with someone who is in business with me. She made the comment: I wonder why Todd Smith is still not a "double diamond " in our company? My reply was maybe he is just comfortable with where he is at, and it's not a priority with him at this time. She looked at me like I swallowed a watermelon peel! Ha!Ha! I had to laugh because I really believe as you do, that keeping life simple is the only way to fly. When we have a deep love for who we are and others, we are not always so interested with the material world. We are satisfied with what we have and who we can share these things with. Everything in life is "perception". Have a great weekend with your family, and may your blessings be lovely and many, Donna Brewer
Todd Smith

HI Donna- You are right. If I had generated just $50,000 more volume, I would have received a free BMW. Today my life is different and so are my priorities. Have a great weekend. Todd
Jessica Smith

Simply put...I LOVE this post and couldn't agree more!
Todd Smith

Hey Jessica- Thanks! I am glad you and Gerrid recognize the importance of this point at this early stage in your marriage. Look forward to seeing you and G Wednesday. Love you!
Bill

Todd,
This is a very powerful lesson. I too have learned to "scale back" and "have more". More of the things what are most important. Balance is the key to having a great life. We need to put and keep our priorities in the correct order by having a plan. Without knowing where we are going it gets easy to "need or want" things that are urgent. The true cost of having things usually is more than the price tag. A life measure by what we can give is better than one measure by what we can get!
Todd Smith

HI Bill- Thanks for your comment. I agree that achieving happiness and fulfillment begins with identifying what's truly important. Thanks! Have a great weekend. Todd
Anna & Valerie

If you want to feel really rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy
That's where real richness lies!
Todd Smith

Anna and Valerie- Great point! Thanks!
KJ Kilroy Was Here Networking!

Hi Todd,
This lesson falls under the "Nice problem to have heading". I learned long ago by trial and error that keeping up with the Jones's only leads to making them keep up with you.

It is better to have a good friend with a boat than own one. It is also better to enjoy a friend’s pool than be a slave to your own. The hidden costs in time and money coupled to the anchor preventing you from enjoying extended traveling time due to your self infected responsibilities is quite draining.

I used to think a Rolex watch was a better way to tell time than those who used a cell phone. I almost bought a Bentley once because too many people I knew were driving BMW's.

These days I like things a little more practical. I just bought the new 4G HTC Evo Sprint Cell Phone that is so much more than a mere timepiece. I drive a 2009 Honda Fit Sport which I customized and plan to give to my niece when she graduates high school next May who talked me into buying it and going Green.

“Money is a tool…how you use it determines if you’re a tool.” - K.J. Kilroy Was Here!

It’s Tool Time,
Kevin J. Kilroy
Todd Smith

Morning Kevin- Your feelings mirror mine! We have downsized from a 10,000 sq ft home to a 2600 square foot home.. My car has 97,000 miles on it. My wife's car has 87,000 miles. We sold our investment properties. We sold our jet skis. I have reduced the number of checks I write each month from 60 to 15. I feel more free today with less stress than I have felt since I was in my teens. Life's Great!