How to Simplify Your Life

Seven Practical Steps to Letting Go of Your Burdens and Living a Happier Life

McGraw-Hill, 2004

15 min read

10 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

Streamline your life: learn to remove clutter from your desk, schedule, finances, office, relationships and … soul.

auto-generated audio

1×

auto-generated audio

Editorial Rating

Qualities

Applicable

Recommendation

Do you ever wish that you were born with an owner’s manual? Well, Tiki Kustenmacher, simplicity expert, and Dr. Lothar J. Seiwert, professional coach, offer a digestible life guide that reads like an operating primer for the human spirit. Livened up with Kustenmacher’s cute illustrations, each chapter tackles a different facet of life, such as managing clutter, taming finances and establishing goals. The practical tips from these bite-size chapters are easy to digest and implement. Their recipe for a simplified life includes valuable suggestions for handling difficult emotions (jealousy) and life events (marriage, death). Although the text is fun to read, the authors skip around and circle back to different subjects in each chapter. Tighter organization would have made the book’s counsel easier to track. And, each chapter begins with an unnecessary, somewhat annoying "dream of simplicity" visualization. Just skip those little appetizers and dive right into the main course. Also check out the excellent reading list at the back of the book. getAbstract recommends this manual to pack rats, workaholics and all those who would welcome simplicity as a relief from life’s chaos.

Summary

Create a Meaningful Life

What is a simple life? Chances are you don't really understand the concept of simplicity because unnecessary complexities intrude upon your consciousness many ways. Complexity is everywhere — from the securities markets to the fine print in your computer manual. Most people are anchored to the ball-and-chain concept of "more, more, more," more money, more possessions, more time. But too often, the quest for more leaves you feeling less satisfied with your life. In contrast, the road to simplicity is a process of "non-doing." It's the flip side of demand. The search for simplicity is a journey that begins with your external possessions and ends with your innermost self.

The First Level of the Pyramid: Your Possessions

Most people own about 10,000 items. Prune your personal baggage by organizing your home, office and car. Clutter and large stacks of paper reflect mental disorder; random detritus attacks your well-being. To inject your work and wardrobe with renewed life, tidy up and clear away extraneous items. Follow these tips:

Use the "four-quadrant" tool — Find an empty table, or surface (even the floor). Divide...

About the Authors

Tiki Kustenmacher is a free-lance cartoonist and a Lutheran minister. He and his wife, who live in Germany, are the editors-in-chief of a monthly newsletter called Simplify Your Life. Dr. Lothar J. Seiwert, also of Germany, is a professional coach and a bestselling author of books that have been translated into 20 languages.

Comment on this summary

Sign in to share your opinion
A. 10 years ago

Hope this book is going to help me to find answers to some of my questions...
R. G. 1 decade ago

Found the summary very helpful! Ideas that should be self-evident but, somehow easily forgotten, are brought top of mind and reinforced.

Tiki Kustenmacher and Lother J. Seiwert