I really do believe that less is more. The less ‘stuff’ we have, the less we have to maintain and hopefully, the less we have to do each day. In the book The Power of Less, author Leo Babauta mentions the form of Japanese poetry known as haiku, that contains many interesting lessons to teach us about how ‘less’ is a powerful concept. The haiku is usually a nature-related poem of just 17 syllables, written in 3 lines (5 syllables/then 7/then 5.) A poet writing a haiku must work with those limitations, expressing an entire idea or image in only that number of syllables. It can be a challenging task. Babauta writes “So the haiku poet has a couple of choices: You can quickly whip out 17 syllables and have a completed haiku in a short amount of time; or, you can choose only the essential words and images needed to convey your idea. The second choice is what creates some of the most powerful poetry in such a limited form – choosing only the essential. So the lessons we can learn from the haiku are like the principles of simple productivity…”
1. By setting limits & boundaries, we must strive to choose only what is essential. So, in everything you do, learn to set limits. Limit your commitments to the things you have to do and the things you want to do. Learn to say NO.
2. By choosing only the essential, we create stronger impact with fewer resources. Always choose the essential elements to maximize your time & energy. Experiment to discover more efficient ways to complete tasks; if possible, delegate. Use technology as a tool; find calendar systems that work for both you and your family. Use the springtime, a time of renewal, to clear the clutter from your home, your office and your life. Again, learn to say NO when you have reached your limit. Simple lessons…sometimes challenging to follow. If only our days had more than 24 hours!