P is for Persevering: A-Z of Simple Living

This January, we're taking an in-depth look at the why and how of simplicity with the A-Z of Simple Living. If you want to make 2015 the year you create a simpler, slower life, why not join us?

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"Do, or do not. There is no try."

-- Yoda

Starting something new is easy.

• 2nd January at the gym
• Salad and juices on a Monday
• Alarm set for 5am tomorrow

These things are easy to do once, twice, maybe five times, because motivation and inspiration carry you along in the beginning.But what happens when that motivation wears off? When life gets busy and suddenly that new habit you valued so highly slips by the wayside?

• The gym membership is a monthly reminder that you haven't exercised in weeks.
• The latte and muffin for breakfast, because you didn't have time to make something.
• The snooze button gets hit in the morning because you need just another ten minutes.

This is where perseverance comes in.A certain single-mindedness. Conviction from the very beginning that what you're doing is important enough to keep on with, even when life gets busy.If you have this then you have everything you need to change your life.

When Life Gets Cluttered

Somewhere along the way you made a decision to live a simpler, slower, happier life. That will prove to be one of the best decisions of your life.But despite your best efforts, complications and clutter try to weasel their way back into your life - frequently. Part of that is just life. Sorry.

• Kids bring home artwork from school
• Birthday parties happen
• Grandparents happen
• Junk mail
• Social engagements that aren't negotiable
• Weekend sports
• An unexpected bill

But there are ways to combat the inevitable slip in motivation. Ways to keep simplifying, to keep saying no, to keep being mindful.There are ways to persevere, even when life is telling you to just give up.1. Know Your Why.When things get complicated, it's important to know why you are doing this in the first place. Use your why as motivation to keep going.Why are you creating a simpler life? Is it to:

• find happiness
• feel more in control of your life
• make time for the things that are truly important
• be active in watching your kids grow up
• make time for things you're passionate about
• nurture your relationships
• get healthy
• live in a home that calms you
• have less cleaning
• make more time to relax, to read, to spend alone, to spend with someone else?

Once you have your why, you can refer back to it time and time again. Write it down, stick it on the fridge, tape it to your wall, make it your computer background. This is your weapon against Old Ways. Wield it whenever you need to persevere.2. Roll With the Punches - SometimesIf you battle against the world to keep your life simple and slow - at all cost - you will wind up exhausted and far more likely to fail.Some days are crazy - there is no way around this. If you have your Why firmly in mind and are doing most things right most of the time, you will get back on track the next day.Nothing and no-one is perfect - so roll with it.3. Do SomethingWhen you're lacking motivation, when you're tired, when your Why isn't enough to keep you going - all you need is one minute. Literally 60 seconds will help you to persevere.Pick a tiny little task that needs doing and do that.

• pack away the toaster
• remove one item from your wardrobe to donate
• pay that bill
• file that piece of paper
• make the phone call
• schedule the meeting
• make a list
• pick up the toys

Doing something will spur you into action. And even if it doesn't, you're one step ahead from where you were a minute ago.Action inspires motivation.

Watch Your New Life Emerge

Eventually, if you keep your Why at the forefront of your mind and just keep doing something - a simpler, happier life will emerge. Which is what we're looking for, isn't it?