Less is more is a mantra that we hear everywhere these days, but what does it really mean?
Put quite simply, it’s the idea that owning lots of stuff may not bring the benefits we were hoping for and, that, ultimately, the pursuit of possessions may not lead to happiness.
It’s also about recognizing that with less stuff and fewer financial or social commitments we have more space. That space can be used to think more clearly, and to do more of the things that we enjoy or that benefit us on a deeper level with the people who are important to us.
The minimalist and simple living lifestyle movements – which are becoming increasingly attractive as a kind of counter-reaction to consumerism and the culture of more, bigger, better, faster, etc – have embraced the concept of less is more.
The truth is, we are getting wise to the stress that too many options and too many things to take care of can cause. Most people find it easier to make decisions quickly when choices are limited, and easier to get things done, when they have less stuff to consider.
The great news is that how you choose to interpret less is more is entirely up to you. There is no one size fits all approach, so you can adapt it to your life, values and needs.
5 Simple Reasons Why Less is More
The principle is hopefully clear already, but to further inspire you to adopt the less is more concept in your life, this post has some specific examples of where having less of something will bring more to your life. So here are 5 simple reasons why less is more, if you’re short of time then don’t miss out on number 2!
1 LESS Quantity, MORE Quality
Have you ever been disappointed with a cheap purchase that didn’t last as long as you had hoped it would? The downside of the huge variety of products that we can easily buy, at the click of a button, for delivery next-day, is that they often aren’t goods of the highest of quality.
In the long-run, your hard earned cash may be better spent on fewer items of better quality. I’m in the process of applying this rule to my capsule wardrobe but I must admit that it isn’t always easy to find clothes that are good quality. Simply paying more, isn’t always the answer.
This reason why less is more can be applied far more widely than just to buying things. Making more intentional choices about meaningful experiences is another example and research shows that is what will make us happy.
So, if you could do something really special, making memories you would cherish, or something that was more mundane, wouldn’t you prefer the optimal experience? Often that does cost more, which means we cannot afford to do it so frequently. For me, this means, choosing to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant several times a year, instead of eating out every week at places where we may not fully enjoy the meal and the service is average.
Is there a way you could apply this idea to your life, so that your precious time is only spent on the best experiences that will leave you feeling enriched?
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2 LESS Cramming Your Day with Tasks, MORE Time for Self-care
Cutting down your daily task list may seem counterintuitive, but it’s helped me to achieve more in the long run. Aiming to do less may take off the pressure which could mean you work more effectively, as you’re not constantly thinking about whether you will get everything done on time. It may even allow you to enjoy the process of doing some of the tasks – obviously within reason, I’m not sure that anyone enjoys taking out the trash!
Doing less will also give you more time for you. When did you last treat yourself to a massage or a even an hour somewhere cozy with a warm drink or a good book? If you’re busy, juggling work, the demands of family or friends and home life, then don’t forget to take a break from time to time. Ultimately, I’ve found that if I don’t prioritize and look after myself, I am less productive, more stressed and less healthy – and that is not helpful to the people who depend on me.
3 LESS Consumption of Goods, MORE Sustainable Lifestyle
It’s easy to see how the less is more philosophy aligns with eco-friendly living. By consuming less and being mindful of our ecological footprint, we can all contribute to a healthier planet. Making more sustainable choices now will positively impact the environment for more than just the current generations, they will also help to future-proof it for our children’s children.
I find it easier to make small changes, my recent eco-friendly habits include an excellent travel mug, reusable food wraps and this lovely tote bag.
4 LESS Time on Devices, MORE Real-world Living
Obviously, there is a certain irony in saying this via the medium of the internet, but it is a very pertinent point for me, as although I love the benefits of technology (and it doubtlessly saves time), it can also be all-consuming. Particularly, if you’re spending lots of time on social media or mindlessly scrolling on your devices.
Take time out by allocating an hour or so each day as a tech-free period and consider taking a break for longer every now and then. If you’re feeling brave, try leaving your phone at home whilst you run errands.
Instead of scrolling on your devices whilst you eat your lunch, how about sitting outdoors for 15 minutes and just enjoying the change of scene? The fresh air will be beneficial and if like me, you experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder during fall and winter, the vitamin D will work wonders.
In person conversations are so under-rated. Next time you’re thinking of messaging someone, consider if you could call them instead or even drop by to visit them – do you remember a time when we would do that without arranging in advance?
Give the real world a try, you might actually enjoy it! For more tips about how to use technology more intentionally check out my post about digital minimalism.
5 LESS Upgrading, MORE Maintaining and Repairing
Now this may sound like an odd question… Have you ever visited your local electronic waste recycling center? Did you notice how many apparently serviceable appliances we dispose of? We have become the throw-away generation. A real shift in mindset is needed so that we start to look after our things better, and consider repairing them, instead of the environmentally damaging choice of frequently replacing them.
Recently, I accidentally broke the screen on my Apple watch and was shocked to be told by my local Apple Store that they wouldn’t even consider replacing the screen. Instead, I was advised to buy a new one. My own research told me that a local company would replace the screen for far less than the cost of a new item, but it seems like certain large manufacturers have moved away from offering repairs.
Fortunately, government policies across the globe are moving towards the sustainable consumption of goods to reduce waste and to avoid using unnecessary resources and the production of greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union is leading the way on right-to-repair rights for consumers, by requiring manufacturers to offer the option to choose repair over replacement.
Final Thoughts
These 5 simple reasons why less is more will hopefully give you some ideas of how to introduce this useful mantra into your life. Just implementing one or two will help you towards reducing overconsumption, and taking back your time and space, to create a live you’ll truly love living.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post about the 5 simple reasons why less is more. Feel free to pin and share this article, and come back soon to discover the latest posts!