Consider Everything First
This section emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to decluttering. It suggests that the process of simplifying life goes beyond material possessions.
The article prompts readers to evaluate their interests, activities, beliefs, and relationships. It encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being and make choices that align with their personal peace, even if it means going against social expectations. The section suggests that identifying and addressing problematic elements in your life is crucial to reducing stress.
Needs vs Wants
The first step is a basic assessment: distinguishing between what you need and what you want. This process is straightforward and doesn't initially require discarding anything. The article highlights that many things in our lives are desires or comforts, not essential needs. Understanding this distinction is key. To determine if something is a need or a want, consider the impact of its absence. If survival or safety is at stake, it's likely a need. If its absence causes discomfort but doesn't threaten survival, it's a want. This helps prioritize and simplify life.
The 'Going Without' Test
This section focuses on evaluating how your life would be affected if you removed certain things. It encourages you to think about what you would be like if you didn't have something. The article poses several questions to help in this evaluation, such as: would you miss it? would you be relieved? would your family and friends be happy? Would it contribute to your success? These questions encourage a thorough examination of the impact of various elements in your life. If life is the same or worse with something, it might be time to let it go to reduce stress.
Better or Worse?
This part delves into the complexity of assessing how things impact your life. The focus is on whether something makes your life better or worse. It acknowledges that some things may improve some areas while hindering others. The article suggests evaluating situations where something might have a history of making things better but now makes them worse, or feels good in the moment but is bad for your overall health. It's crucial to understand why you make exceptions to make informed choices. This includes assessing the long-term impact of your choices.
Finding True Happiness
This section emphasizes the importance of happiness in the decluttering process. The article suggests finding out if keeping something adds to or subtracts from your happiness. It acknowledges that you usually know when you're happy and when you're not. The challenge lies in defending the presence of things that make you unhappy and discarding those that bring you joy. It prompts readers to consider the sacrifices they are willing to make to find true happiness, which might challenge their values and culture. This section underscores the role of happiness and joy in creating a less stressful life.
Making Life Easier
The article then considers how the elements in your life affect the ease with which you go through it. Do they make life easier or harder? Again, the article acknowledges that some things can be both. For instance, some people might make it easier to deal with childcare or bills, but might also make personal peace of mind and the experience of one's personal life more difficult. In this case, you will have to think about what you are willing to give up to make your life easier or simpler. It highlights the importance of choosing what simplifies your life.
Focusing On Health
The final question focuses on the health aspect, both physical and mental. Does what you keep in your life promote your health, or do they harm it? The article suggests that this is usually a more straightforward assessment, with possible exceptions for things like rich foods or alcohol. The article promotes moderation and understanding the consequences of consumption and indulgence. The goal is to keep things you need or deeply desire that also bring meaning, improve your life, make it easier, bring happiness, and support your health. These standards, when followed, will yield a richer, more fulfilling, and less stressful existence.