How to live simple

“Life is simple, people just make it complicated” ~ Someone really famous

I know the key to happiness is buying less things. Now this isn’t arm chair theory but rather direct experience. Less debt, less bills, less stress.

Simple, yes?

This is the guide I composed to living a very simple life, so you’ll have plenty of free time to do things that truely matter (whatever it may be)

1. Simplicity when it comes to fitness

I thought you needed a gym in order to become fit until I saw this:

The fact is, you don’t need a gym to work out. Everything you need to get fit is here, just use your body weight to do push ups, pull ups, squats, dips, jumping jacks, and run on the streets instead of a pansy threadmill :)

2. Simplicity when it comes to health

I don’t follow any strict diet, other then eat my meats, pasta, veggie and fruits. The key here is to rarely eat junk food, or juice, or some gimmick weight loss chocolate bar.

When I go to the grocery store, I try to keep my bill $10 or under by buying fruits, veggie, chicken and whole wheat pasta/bread or brown rice.

You eat healthy, you exercise, you lose weight. It’s not rocket science.

3. Simplicity when it comes to communication

When someone wants to reach me, they call. If I happen to my on instant messenger, sure text me. I never answer cell phone text or email. Never.

I don’t go on myspace, facebook, tweeter, or any other communication tools that waste time and does nothing.

4. Simplicity when it comes to relationships

Don’t talk to people who are negative, waste your time, or drain your energy. Don’t stalk, gossip, or do idle talk. When you hang out, hang out and socialize. When you have alone time, enjoy your alone time. It’s as simple as that. Leave the drama out of your life.

5. Simplicity when it comes to computer

I don’t use fancy, bloated softwares. I’m writing this in notepad, as oppose to Microsoft Works.

I don’t download musics or movies — I just stream them. (Besides, I made a rule of thumb to never rewatch a movie)

I don’t have a desktop wallpaper (confession: I used to spend 30 minutes everyday looking for new wallpapers), so the background is just plain black.

And I have zero icons :D

At one point, I was thinking of getting 3, 22 inch monitors and a new computer for my home office. Then I realize it takes up too much space and

time, so I stick to my laptop for now. And I gave away the 22 inch monitor.

6. Simplicity when it comes to clothes

I basically have 2 outfits — my suit, and my everyday wear. I’m like those cartoon characters that wear the same outfit everyday. I always wear the same jean, t-shirt and leather jacket.

Don’t follow fashion trend, just buy what looks timelessly stylish. Buy quality clothes that last long. So when you’re going out, you spend 5 minutes or less to get ready :)

That concludes my tips for now. I’ll add more when I think of it.