Simplifying Life and Work: 12 Things to Shed NOW

We live in a complicated world in which we are encouraged to continually strive for more. Far too often, intentionally removing things from our lives is quite foreign to our thinking. The idea of having less, doing less, and managing less, runs contrary to our consumer-based market economy. Yet as Henry David Thoreau discovered at Walden Pond, it can be a marvelous thing. It can free us up for more important things. To relax. To breathe. To do the things that really matter.

Yet many of us just don’t know what to shed or how to begin. We’ve fine-tuned and socially encouraged our “more” mentality – and spent scant energy on the reverse. So in today’s post I’m providing you some specific thought starters in four categories you might consider shedding. This is not an all-inclusive list, but merely a start. I’m only going to hint at the HOW to do this… but know that you’ll find ample on-line details about purging these items from your life.

I’ve listed four categories you might consider: things, tasks, thoughts, and toxic relationships. For each category, I’ve provided three suggestions. That gives you a starting point of 12 places you might begin to shed.

Some will be easier; it is not so hard to discard things as it is to change our thinking. At least for me, dealing with toxic people is the most challenging of all. Know that there is no fail safe formula. I encourage you to begin to experiment across categories. Just get started.

And as you do, remember the lesson that evergreens teach us: by shedding a little bit over time, we can stay fresh and bring on new growth. This steady, incremental shedding provides great yields over time and also allows the time and space for new growth. Trust me on this.

Tasks You Can Shed
Compliance Chores	These are the tasks that you are doing because someone asked and you didn’t want to say no. When you don’t have the time, energy or interest for a request, consider: A referral to someone else who might. Offering a small, time-limited option. A polite, but firm NO.
Proud History & Sacred Cow Work	When you ask why a certain task is being done and the reply is “Because we’ve always done it that way.” you know that you are looking at fertile ground for shedding. Question sacred cows – others may be thrilled you did. Demote their status. Do them less frequently. Spend less time/energy on them. Try not doing these things for a period of time and see what happens.
Perfectionism	Nothing gets in the way of progress as much as striving for perfection. Often that last 20% of effort adds only marginal return. Know when “good enough” is “enough already” and then eliminate the extra work that really does little for the overall quality.
Thoughts You Can Shed
Repetitive / Circular Thinking	You know you are here when the same thoughts have swirled around in your head for hours or days. To get these out of your head: Write them down, verbatim. Objectively study them. If actionable, take action. If not, release them. Repeat as needed.
Negative Thinking	This is different than “Danger: problem ahead” thinking or critical evaluation. Examples include dreading something in advance, even before you know it will be dreadful. It includes a proclivity to find the flaw in every single thing and then pointing it out. The key here is balance. Train your mind to find the positive aspects as well as the negative. Suspend judgement until you have true data. Notice when you are slipping into negativity and ask yourself if this thinking is helping or hurting you in this situation.
Personal Trash Talk	These are thoughts such as: I’m not smart enough, old enough, young enough, educated enough, experienced enough, (you get the idea). These thoughts induce doubt, anxiety and consequently inaction. Notice your thoughts and when you’ve slipped into personal degradation. Then introduce a counterbalancing thought that acknowledges the “trash talk” but deflates its power. For example: I may not be as experienced as others, yet my unique perspective is just as important.
Things to Shed
Sentimental Things	You may have mementoes, letters, photos, and treasured trinkets from those you care about. If you love them, keep them. If you don’t love them, find someone who does. If you want to remember the items, take a picture rather than keeping the item itself.
Sunk Cost Items	Are there things in your life you are reluctant to rid yourself of because you paid a lot of money for it? Remind yourself that the money has been spent – and that holding on to it for that reason does not replenish your wallet or your spirit.
Your Just in Case Stash	Critically examine the items you are keeping just in case you might need them someday. Chances are you won’t need it or if you do, you won’t recall where it is. Trust that if you need it in the future, you’ll be able to source it by another means.
Toxic Relationships to Purge
The Office Gossip	Avoid these folks and conversations if possible. If not possible, craft artful responses such as: Something about that sounds not quite right. Have you asked that person about it? Why are you sharing this with me? I’m uncomfortable talking about person XYZ when they are not a part of the conversation.
The Chronic Complainer	Run for your life; these folks can drain your focus and energy in no time flat. If cornered, ask an accountability question such as: What can you do to make this situation better? Can I help you find a solution to this situation? This seems outside of our control. Let’s focus on where we can make a difference.
The Passive Aggressive	These folks are nice to your face and then less so when out of sight. They say all is well when it really isn’t. They might use innuendo in a compliment that implies something quite different. Request that they come directly to you if they have questions or concerns. Be sincere and open when they do. Use humor. Maintain your good will and composure. Take the high road and trust that others will take note.