{"id":137,"date":"2020-11-16T07:55:39","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T02:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smevalueadvisors.com\/blog\/?p=137"},"modified":"2020-11-15T11:40:25","modified_gmt":"2020-11-15T06:10:25","slug":"simple-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smevalueadvisors.com\/blog\/index.php\/simple-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Simplicity Is the Key to A Happy Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"how<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nature enforces simplicity everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1914, paleontologist Samuel Williston first highlighted how duplicate body parts of animals got reduced, and until only the useful ones remained as they evolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same holds true for humans. The wealthiest people have simple philosophies and habits. The most common reason for people to remain wealthy is: \u201cSame car, same house, same spouse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Warren Buffett<\/a> for example. He lives in the house he bought in 1958, drives a 2014 Cadillac XTS (before which he drove a 2006 Cadillac DTS), and spends his day reading 500 pages and playing bridge. From any angle, his life is simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On paper, we all want a simple life too, one where we have peace of mind and spend time with activities and the people we love. But when it comes to practice, we go in the opposite direction. Complexity gets worshipped while simplicity gets ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why We Worship Complexity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bankers sell complex financial products in an attempt to make more money. And surprisingly, customers buy them in an attempt to demonstrate their smartness. As Morgan Housel pointed out<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charge a client for ten sentences of advice and they\u2019ll leave in disgust. Give them a phone-book-size elaboration and they\u2019ll pay you a fortune and refer their friends.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, companies walk away from software that offers ten features, even if those ten features are all they need, but they\u2019ll pay a premium for a product with 30 features. Business leaders communicate using complex jargon, weird phrases<\/a>, and long sentences to appear authoritative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complexity often lands us in trouble. Yet, we stick to it. The most common reason for this is our desire to appear smart. In the process, we end up making stupid mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, complex financial products bring in high risk. (The sub-prime crisis<\/a> is an extreme example). Most complex software lies unused in organizations and the investment becomes a sunk cost. Complex communication leads to passing the buck and fails to get things done<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can try to appear smart. Or we can try to not be stupid. The first option is easier \u2013 to simply cram our minds with tons of useless information. The second option is simpler \u2013 to stick to areas in which we\u2019re confident of making good decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not confuse simple and easy as the same. Simple things are often difficult. For instance, appreciating what you have is simple but difficult. It\u2019s easier to chase after things others have but you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sticking with your circle of competence<\/a> in business and investing is simple. Chasing the next big opportunity that promises a 100X ROI, based on an unreliable tip, is easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter which option you take, the results will multiply in the long run. Appreciating what you have will let you live a happier life while chasing things you don\u2019t need will make you unhappy. Sticking to your circle of competence will yield consistent and steady returns. Taking unwarranted risks outside it will even take away what you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.\u201d \u2013 Charlie Munger<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Consistently not being stupid is possible when we embrace a simple life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The 5 Buckets of Simplicity in Life<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLife is nothing but a series of present moments. \u2013 Eckhart Tolle\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Life is not what happens in the future or what occurred in the past. Yes, you want to learn from the past and make your future better. But that can only happen if you simplify your present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how you can instill simplicity in the five important buckets of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. At a Physical Level<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Consume foods loaded with important nutrients and low in sugar. Ask yourself, \u201cHow little food can I live with?\u201d Exercise regularly; hit the gym, do yoga, or take long walks daily. Take plenty of rest instead of burning out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your body and mind will stay active. You\u2019ll give your best to your work and the people you love. And you\u2019ll age gracefully. Nothing in the world can be enjoyed without a healthy body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. At an Intellectual Level<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I\u2019m wise so I\u2019m changing myself \u2013 Rumi<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Fulfilled lives are filled with wisdom more than knowledge. Knowledge is knowing what something means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge in your life. Knowledge is knowing what should change. Wisdom is the ability to understand how much of that is in your control. Any knowledge that\u2019s not usable is a burden. Wisdom is the ability to leave out such knowledge and focus on what\u2019s useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn a few things, apply them, and improve the quality of your life and the lives of those around you. Keep your thoughts simple and you\u2019ll reap long-lasting benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. At a Professional Level<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The internet has democratized opportunities. Anyone can make a living by doing what they love. You can become an artist, entrepreneur, or an expert in the field of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t waste your life chasing money by doing things you don\u2019t like. Instead, invest your most valuable asset \u2013 your time \u2013 in doing what you love. Blessed are those who turn their \u2018passion into their profession\u2019. If not, at least love what you do. This will improve the quality of your work and make you happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend more time doing things you like. When love greases their wheels, your tasks become smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. At a Social Level<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Relationships are meant to be nurtured and cherished for life, not manipulated for personal gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the lockdown, I\u2019ve deepened my focus on building meaningful relationships instead of trying to expand my network. I\u2019m choosing to spend more time with the people I love and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your relationships become simple, speaking the truth becomes easier. As a result, you won\u2019t have to try and remember what you said earlier. People will trust your words<\/a> and you\u2019ll build a positive reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. At a Spiritual Level<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t know where we came from or where we\u2019re going, nor do we have any control over either. All we know is what we\u2019re doing right now, and we control our actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re all spiritual beings going through a human experience. We can choose to do good things for others and think simple thoughts. So let\u2019s do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Life is all about choices. Complex choices complicate life while simple ones smoothen it. If you want to lead a simple life, focus on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Consume healthy food and exercise regularly.<\/li>
  2. Focus on applying the knowledge you possess.<\/li>
  3. Spend more time doing the things you love and less on things you don\u2019t.<\/li>
  4. Focus on deepening the quality of your meaningful relationships.<\/li>
  5. Choose to think simple thoughts and do good for others.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Do the simple things consistently for the long-term and you\u2019ll reap unbelievable results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So how will you start simplifying your life today?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Nature enforces simplicity everywhere. In 1914, paleontologist Samuel Williston first highlighted how duplicate body parts of animals got reduced, and until only the useful ones remained as they evolved. The same holds true for humans. The wealthiest people have simple philosophies and habits. 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