I got one of those opt-in e-mails for a web newsletter called Health Expressions, and went over to take a look. They were running one of those little one-question polls, and today’s question is, “What’s your number-one strategy for simplifying your life?” I answered it, then popped up the answers. They were interesting. As of 11:28am this morning, the replies broke down as follows:
I don’t sweat the small stuff. 33%
I live within my means. 26%
My life is impossible to simplify! 16%
I split up responsibilities so it’s not all on me. 14%
I set aside time each week for my spouse, my kids, and myself. 11%
What I find interesting about these replies is the comparatively large percentage of people who seem to feel out of control of their own lives, to the extent that they don’t believe they can simplify anything. Is there a message there?
I answered, “I live within my means,” by the way. My life is fairly simple, at least by one definition, but I’m fairly disciplined financially, and that makes me feel safer.