I recently came across the great piece of advice given by Coco Chanel on how to look chic “Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off”

And it struck me what a great principle this is to apply to simplifying our whole lives, not just our outfits.

So often the advice on how to simplify our lives requires such a lot of extra ‘work’ that we set off with the best of intentions but quickly run out of steam. Following a complex decluttering process or trying to find the time to list and rank our life’s priorities can become a burden in itself, one that adds the very stress it’s trying to relieve.

Which is not to say that these approaches don’t have merit, especially when we reach those inevitable time in our lives where we have to take serious stock. But I do love the idea of a simplified approach to simplification that we can apply to just about everything we do, every day.

The applications are endless. Taking something off your ‘to do’ list each time you write it or taking at least one things out of your diary for the week. And it doesn’t just have to be actual tasks or obligations. Taking away an arbitrary deadline, an emotional burden or removing the weight of at least one high pressure expectation you have set for yourself can be just as important mentally, as physically doing less.

Why would I do that?

Some of you might be wondering why you would ever want to take one thing off, either in terms of accessories or, in the list of tasks you perform every week. To me the lesson lies in understanding why so many of us feel we have to make such an effort in the first place. And again, we can learn from Chanel.

Her advice was based on a belief that women are at their most stylish when they are at their most natural. But what she observed was that so many women were so lacking in confidence that they tried to compensate for their perceived lack of innate style by adding it externally. To her this had the opposite effect, drawing focus from the inherent beauty of the person and, detracting from what made them unique.

In many ways, I think our relentless efforts to do and achieve are just another way that we try to measure up to some imagined ideal because we feel, at essence that we are not quite enough. And, in the same way, our impressive list of accomplishments and accolades can draw the focus from who we really are, by focusing other people’s attention solely on the things we do.

You still get to be you!

Of course none of this means you have to live the life of a hermit or, leave the house completely unadorned! The extent to which we accessorise ourselves and our lives is relative – one person’s blinged up is another person’s understated. Ditto, one person’s frantic is another’s having a quiet week.

The principle is what’s important. By doing just a little less, you become just a little less obscured, which allows more of your true self to show through.

And that is who we want to see!

About Me

Tricia Alach is an author, work-life coach and wellbeing professional who specialises in helping busy people create more balance, joy and fulfilment in life! To learn more about what she offers visit www.flowmindandbody.com or connect via facebook or @triciaalach