Make It Happen » Simplify Your Life

How to Create an Effortless Life – Effortlessly

Arvind Devalia — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:27:43 +0000

Just how effortless is your life?

Do you live a life of flow and ease? Or is everyday for you full of stress and pressure?

Imagine what your life would be like if you could spend each day in contentment and mindfulness. A day in which you only do those things you truly love doing. And your life is full of simple joys.

Well, I have just read a book which shows you just how you can get such a life – effortlessly.

I have been talking to my friend Leo Babauta of Zen Habits who has recently published his latest book called “The Effortless Life: A Manual for Contentment, Mindfulness, & Flow“.

This is a unique book in that though it’s been authored by Leo, it was publicly written, and the world was invited to help collaboratively write and edit the document. The book is therefore the result of a collaborative effort between Leo and a few others.

Leo’s book is a concise guide to living an effortless life – and the entire work is “uncopyrighted”.

You can read more about Leo’s new book here – “The Effortless Life: A Manual for Contentment, Mindfulness, & Flow”

If you haven’t heard of Leo Babauta, where have you been!?

A while ago, I wrote about Leo and explained how one Zen like man changed my life and can change yours too.

Leo is the world’s leading blogger whose blog Zen Habits now has over 230,000 subscribers and is transforming the world with his message of simple productivity.

Please do check out Zen Habits today and be sure to subscribe.

Leo has become a friend and a mentor on my blogging journey – and he kindly agreed to an interview for Make It Happen readers:-

1. Leo, welcome to my blog and thanks for accepting my request for an interview.

A lot of my readers already know of you through previous interviews and articles about you. I have read all of your books to date and learnt a lot from you. But I have to say that with your latest book you have surpassed yourself!

Please describe your new book in more detail – and what do you mean when you say it’s been written publicly with help from the world?

Leo: The Effortless Life is the culmination of the last several years of my writing, as I’ve moved from trying to maximize every minute for productivity, to simplifying life to the bare essentials. It’s my take on Lao Tzu’s philosophy, including “Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

It was written on a public Google Doc, so that people could watch me write it live, add comments and suggestions, and even contribute and help edit the book as it was being written. It was a massive collaboration, and one of the most chaotic, scary, and exciting writing projects I’ve ever done.

2. The theme of my blog is all about making things happen, which may seem to be in direct contrast with what you are advocating.

So just what do you mean by effortless living?

Leo: Effortless living is removing the extraneous things we’ve created that cause life to be more of a struggle. So for example if you’re striving to make things happen, what would happen if you stopped striving to make things happen, and just started doing? You might not care about making things happen, and so the results don’t matter as much as the process. You might have more fun doing what you’re doing, and be more present doing it. Ironically, I’ve found that by letting go of goals and trying to get certain results, I’ve accomplished more. But that’s only a side effect of living effortlessly.

3. You describe in your book about how you easily learnt to swim once you stopped trying so hard. As someone else who can’t yet swim, what advise can you give me and my readers to achieve something easily, in the context of effortless living?

Leo: Water is very dense, and can either be something we struggle against, or something that buoys us up, that helps us float. Life is the same way. Don’t struggle against it — creating arbitrary goals, trying to control things, complaining, being inconsiderate to others, creating too many tasks for yourself, having too many expectations, creating false needs and wants … these are ways that we create struggle. If you let go of these things, and learn to glide, life buoys you up.

4. You talk about Wu Wei & Doing Nothing – and I personally can NOT relate to that! (I am wondering if there is any help for me out there? Should I just go and live on a tropical island on my own without the internet?)

As per your book I tried doing everything mindfully for an hour – and wow, what a revelation! I learnt just how I am lacking in mindfulness most of the time.

So my real question is this – is it really possible to do nothing?

Leo: It’s not possible to literally do nothing, as we are always sitting or standing or lying down or breathing … but I’ve found that too often we feel that unless we are taking some kind of positive action, we are being passive, or lazy, or unproductive. This is why we take so many unnecessary actions — we’re not comfortable with pauses and inactivity. As a result, we struggle, we work too much. Do less. Act only when necessary. It’s a completely different mindset, but once you learn to do it, it’s wonderful.

5. You come across as someone who lives effortlessly. But do YOU ever have a bad hair day where effortless living goes out of the window and you become all frantic and frustrated?

Leo: Oh, absolutely. The things I’ve written in this book are mostly advice to myself. I’m learning along with everyone else, and only sharing the results of what I’ve learned so far. I still have lots to learn. I snap and get mad at my wife and kids sometimes. I get frustrated at the “stupidness” of strangers. Then I remind myself to give up expectations, and just live. It works wonders.

6. Leo, towards the end of your book you talk about realizing that we are already good enough:-

“A powerful realization that has helped me is simply this: You’re already good enough, you already have more than enough, and you’re already perfect.

You already have everything you need to be content, right here and right now.”

Yet there is so much talk in the personal development and the blogosphere about the need to set and achieve goals. But you are advocating living without goals and accepting that we are already enough and have enough. Please outline what you mean by this?

Leo: The personal development field (books and blogs) is built on the desire people have to be better, to improve themselves. At its heart, this desire is based on dissatisfaction with who we are. And none of us is immune to it. We have bad self-images, so that we feel fat or unproductive or unattractive or undisciplined. But this is only because we compare ourselves with images in the media, or perfect people who write blogs. Those are lies. The images we see in magazines, movies, TV shows … they are not real. They are designed to get us to want perfect abs, or be the perfect parent, or be the perfect entrepreneur. And if we want that perfection, of course we must buy their products.

I’m suggesting we let go of all that, and accept ourselves as already perfect. Sure, we may have too much fat, or get angry, or have too much clutter. But why is that necessarily bad? Why can’t we just accept ourselves as we are, and not compare ourselves to others, to false images? If we accept ourselves as we are, we no longer need to improve. That doesn’t mean we don’t do things that we’re passionate about, but it means that it’s rooted in love, and not self hate.

7. Final question Leo. The bit about your book that really resonated with me was where you say cause no harm and be compassionate. It ties up nicely with my idea about Personal Social Responsibility.

Here’s a quote directly from your book:-
“Want something meaningful to do? You don’t need to change jobs—just help others, in any way you can. Help coworkers to succeed. Be there for friends when they need you. Spend time with loved ones and encourage them. Volunteer to help the needy. Improve your community in small ways.”

Leo, you can improve the world community and make an even bigger impact in the world in the future. When will you effortlessly run for president?

(In other words, what’s next for you?).

Leo: It’s my belief that if we learn to accept ourselves as we are, we have improved the world. If we are happy with ourselves, we will start to treat ourselves well. We will treat others with compassion. We will then make the lives of others better. The world will change, one person at a time. It’s a revolutionary act, to love yourself.

And so my answer is that I have no plans, other than to love myself. I have no expectations for what will come from that, but so far it’s been deeply gratifying.

Thanks very much Leo for sharing your personal insights and tips. We all look forward to living more effortlessly.

So there you are – you have heard all about effortless living from the master himself.

Please do check out “The Effortless Life: A Manual for Contentment, Mindfulness, & Flow” (NOT an affiliate link)

You may also be interested in Leo’s other ebooks:-

The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life (this comes free as part of the package for The Effortless Life)

Zen Habits Handbook for Life

Zen to Done ebook

If you like, you can get all these three ebooks as a package:-

Three Zen Habits Ebooks Package

(these are affiliate links, but please rest assured that I only ever promote products I really believe in)

Please share below your tips on effortless living.

What works for you? What doesn’t work for you?

How do you create ease and flow in your life?

Focus – A Simplicity Manifesto from Leo Babauta of Zen Habits

Arvind Devalia — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:12:07 +0000

Just how focussed are you?

Do you target all your energies on the task at hand, or do you find yourself distracted umpteen times?

Imagine what your life would be like if you were to get much more focussed in all areas of your life.

If like most people you get easily distracted in this age of distraction, then Leo Babauta has just the answer for you – his latest book, called appropriately enough – Focus.

You can read more about Leo’s new book on focus at Zen Habits

If you haven’t heard of Leo Babauta, where have you been?!

A while ago, I wrote about Leo and explained how one Zen like man changed my life and can change yours too.

Leo is the world’s leading blogger whose blog Zen Habits now has over 200,000 subscribers and is transforming the world with his message of simple productivity.

Is Leo Babuata the most focussed man in the world?!

Earlier this year, Time magazine named Zen Habits as THE number one blog for 2010. Please do check out Zen Habits today and be sure to subscribe.

Leo has become a friend and a mentor on my blogging journey – and he kindly agreed to an interview for Make It Happen readers:-

1. Leo, welcome to my blog and thanks for accepting my request for an interview.

Usually ebooks or guides are just that – a single document to read, whereas you have given us the Full Monty!

Please describe your product in more detail.

Leo: The usual ebook is available for free download, without having to give away your email address or anything. But if you want more, it’s available in a premium version: there are bonus chapters from me and five other authors, quickstart guides in PDF format, videos going further into several topics, and three expert audio interviews.

It’s a digital course in one neat package.

2. What do you think our mutual hero Gandhi would have to say about Focus?

Leo: I wouldn’t presume to know. He was brilliant, and concerned himself with matters of freedom. Even his insistence on simplicity and self-reliance were tools to greater freedom.

Focus, in that sense, is a tool for freedom as well — it’s a way to free yourself from the tyranny of digital distractions, so that you can create or do what’s important to you.

I hope he would have approved.

(Editorial note:- Check out my guest post on Zen Habits about Gandhi the ultimate minimalist)

3. How do you let your hair down (metaphorically speaking!)?

Leo: As you know, I don’t have any hair to let down! And that’s true metaphorically speaking, too … I don’t think I have to let my hair down, as it’s always down.

I’m always doing things I love, always having fun, so there’s no division between being serious and having fun. It’s all the time.

4. Do you ever have days of being scatty, forgetful or a terror to be around?

Leo: Of course! I’m human, despite what anyone might think. I have a horrible memory — I don’t even try to improve it. I can get moody too — one of the things I should work on is letting go of bad feelings when I feel I’ve been offended. I can usually do that eventually, but until I do I can be moody.

5. You have a world class blog and a worldwide following. And yet recently you said something which I really loved and struck a chord with me deeply.

You said how little you really know and how there was so much more to learn and love.

So what’s next for you, Leo?

Leo: I never know what’s next. That’s one of the little things I’ve learned — I can’t predict or control the future, so I’ve (mostly) stopped trying.

I don’t plan that much (sometimes I do), I don’t set goals very much, I just do what I love and see what comes up.

That makes it very hard to work with me — I don’t stick very well to deadlines or plans. But I usually do something cool in the end. We’ll see what comes next.

6. If you had to share something with Make It Happen readers that you have never ever told anyone before, what would that be?

Please make it profound, earth-shaking and life-changing. Or you can just tell us your shoe size or a nasty habit that you want to shake-off.

Leo: Everything I say is bullshit!

I might sound like I know what I’m talking about, but in reality I don’t know more than the next guy — if anything I know less.

I’m making things up as I go along, just like everyone else. I’m trying things out to see what works, learning a little, making huge mistakes, failing a lot.

I know so little, but maybe my strength is that I realize that and I’m OK with that. Whatever I say, take it with a barrel of salt, and don’t take anything as gospel. Try it out yourself, but don’t think I have any answers.

At most, I’ll get you thinking about something fairly important so you can figure it out yourself.

7. Final question Leo. You are an incredibly giving and generous guy. And I know that from my own personal experience of you over the last year. So what can we, your followers, do to give something back to you?

Leo: My readers (I think of them as online friends who don’t seem to get annoyed by me) have already given me more than I’ve ever given anyone.

You have all given me the opportunity to share what I’m excited about, to learn from you, to connect with you, to make a living doing what I love, to quit a tiresome job and spend more time with my family.

You’ve shared some incredible stories about how simple articles I’ve written have touched you or changed your lives, even if I had no idea that could ever happen when I wrote the articles.

I’m profoundly touched and gratified by what my readers have given me, and I can ask for nothing more.

Thanks very much Leo for sharing your personal insights and tips. We all look forward to getting more focussed in our lives.

To download the free version of Leo’s new ebook and also to purchase the premium version, please visit:-

Focus: A simplicity Manifesto in the Age of Distraction (not an affiliate link)

You may also be interested in Leo’s other ebooks:-

The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life

Zen Habits Handbook for Life

Zen to Done ebook

If you like, you can get all three ebooks as a package:-

Three Zen Habits Ebooks Package

(these are affiliate links, but please rest assured that I only ever promote products I really believe in)

Please share below your tips on getting focussed.

What works for you? What doesn’t work for you?

The Day I had Breakfast with a Really Simple Man

Arvind Devalia — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:21:00 +0000

You meet all sorts of people in your daily life.

It’s a fact of life – we can’t do without people in our life, like them or not.

“Some people light up the room when they enter it, others light it up when they leave the room!”

I am not sure who I first heard that from – sounds a bit harsh to me, but we have all met people who do both.

Do people really make the world go around?

Some people really try and impress you, some are impressed by you. But the ones who I remember the most are the ones who are just themselves.

You take such people at face value and they take you at face value – no frills or thrills, no airs and graces.

This morning I had breakfast with such a person. A very simple guy.

An authentic guy. Indeed, an authentically simple guy.

Someone who is indeed very simple – and even writes about it. So simple, I sometimes even forget his name or what he looks like.

You have probably heard of simple Simon from your childhood days – now you are going to hear a lot more about simple John.

I first met John Sherry two years ago when he invited me to speak at his Inspiration Club in Coventry, which happens to me my home town as well as his.

Since then we have become friends and even more so once he launched his blog at Real Simple People.

Read more about John’s philosophy – and do subscribe to his blog. It’s really simple to do so.

Today John was visiting London for a meeting and we met for breakfast early in the morning in my garden.

Of course it was a simple breakfast, followed with simple conversation about simple things.

Every thing about John and around John is really simple. So this blog post is also going to be simple.

I wonder how many times I have said simple so far – oops, there’s another one!

So what’s the main takeaway for you from this simple post? It’s simply this:-

We make life unnecessarily complicated.

As Johns says on his blog:-

“Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated” – Confucius

Life really is simple – so why complicate it?

On that note, please add below, what one simple thing you will do today to make your life more simple?

And be sure to keep your comments simple – so simple, that even simple John would approve:-)

20 Questions to Simplify Your Life Forever

Arvind Devalia — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:58:50 +0000

Is your life simple or are you feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Is your home full of things you no longer use?

Wouldn’t you rather be deliriously happy in an almost empty space?

I cannot emphasise enough the value and beauty of living a simple, uncluttered life.

I began my journey of personal growth a decade ago and the single most important thing I did initially was to simplify and declutter my life.

It was amazing what a difference it made when I started doing fewer things and most importantly when I dramatically reduced the amount of physical stuff in my life.

Indeed, when I take on a new coaching client, one of the first things we look at is how their life can be simplified and how they can declutter their homes.

In recent years, more and more people have begun to wake up to the idea of living simpler lives with fewer things and recycling as much as possible.

There are a number of resources available online for living a minimalist life and I shall discuss these in a future article. But for now you can start with this excellent “Minimalist Guide” from my blogging mentor and friend Leo Babauta of Zen Habits.

Please get your copy of Leo’s minimalist ebook here.

A few months ago, I spent an amazing 2 weeks in India. Whilst visiting some villages in Gujarat (where my family originates from) what struck me was how happy the people were. They had so little in terms of all those material things which in the West we believe we must have to be happy.

I wondered whether the relatives we were visiting in their simple homes even had any idea of just how much stuff we had in our UK homes.

It certainly was a wake up call to not only appreciate what privileged lives we lead, but also realise just how much superfluous our possessions really are.

At the same time, it was sad to see that in the Indian cities there is now a growing desire to consume and collect stuff, so as to be like the “enlightened” West.

It just doesn’t make any sense to me in buying, collecting and hording things we don’t really need and not ever likely to use.

So often we keep things in case one day they are useful. I bet right now you can mentally recall the things you in your home for this very reason.

We all keep things for some day and one day – and that day never comes.

I shall never forget how whilst helping my late father with some old paperwork and he had kept cheque book stubs going back over 30 years!

Today, I am going to urge all of you to start simplifying your life – and start decluttering.

Sometimes it feels as if I am on a crusade to create a simpler world and I apologise for being so directional!

But please believe me that once you have begun to de-clutter your life, you will begin to notice amazing shifts in your energy and your thinking.

Clutter is not just those physical things hoarded for years. It includes relationships, time commitments and other things that use up more of your energy than you can afford to give them.

So here are my 20 questions which will transform your life forever. The idea is to answer NO to as many questions as possible.

Wherever you have said YES is an area for further work:-

1. Do you hang on to clothes that no longer fit you?
2. Do you have in your wardrobe items bought years ago and not worn since?
3. Do you own shoes that hurt your feet?
4. Do you own spectacles for old prescriptions?
5. Do you have toiletries or cosmetics which have dried up or are half finished?
6. Do you have a pile of papers /unopened mail/junk mail awaiting action or filing?
7. Do you have a pin-board with more than one layer of papers on it?
8. Do you keep old newspapers or magazines as there is an article you want to read?
9. Do you have so many books there is not enough room on your shelves?
10. Do you own gadgets you never use?
11. Do you have a drawer stuffed full of plastic shopping bags?
12. Do you have half finished projects stashed around the house?
13. Do you have hundreds of photos in boxes, unfiled or not put together in some order?
14. Do you have old medicines and pills stored in a cupboard?
15. Do you have things awaiting repairs for months?
16. Do you keep things purely because they were a gift?
17. Do you keep things in case one day they come in handy?
18. Do things fall out of your cupboards when you open the doors?
19. Do you have problems finding things just when you want them?
20. Do you have in your kitchen any items in cupboards or fridge/freezer past their use by dates?

As I said, wherever you have said YES is an area for further work. Start clearing out that area today, even if you get rid of just one item.

I have learnt that life really is simple if only we can apply this principle in all areas.

Even if you just do a tiny little thing today to declutter your life, it will make a huge difference to you – and the world.

Spring has finally arrived here in London and traditionally that’s been seen as the perfect time to declutter our homes – but it can be done anytime – start today wherever you are in the world and whatever your season!

How will you begin to simplify your life from today onwards?

Please do also share with the world your own questions and tips for decluttering and creating simplicity.

7 Things to Finally Stop Doing This Year and Forever

Arvind Devalia — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:16:53 +0000

As this year draws to a close, what lessons are you taking forward into 2010?

This year seems to have just whizzed past and I wonder just where all the days have gone.

Rather than lamenting the loss of time, focus instead on the lessons you learnt this year. And rather than pondering what you didn’t achieve this year, reflect on how much you learnt from the things you do, how you do them and also most importantly, what you can stop doing.

By seriously looking back on this year, you will see just what it is that you must stop doing from now onwards in all areas of your life.

To help you do just that, here are my 7 things for you to stop doing in 2010 and beyond:-

1. Stop collecting and hoarding clutter

Do you collect hoard stuff and hang on to things just because one day they may be useful?

I cannot emphasis enough just how much your life will improve the moment you stop hoarding and start decluttering.

To start with take my clutter quiz today.

You may even want to use the few remaining days of this year to go around your home and clear out stuff. Why not start the New Year in a de-cluttered home?

For 2010, adopt a minimalist life. Though there are lots of resources on hte net to help you do just that, I suggest you check out Leo Babuanta’s minimalist website.

You can even get his minimalist ebook to get you started rightaway.

You can even get Leo’s minimalist ebook here.

2. Stop Wasting Money

By adopting a minimalist approach to life, you will begin to stop wasting money. Do you really need to buy the latest gizmos and gadgets?

The media is so relentless in hammering into you messages about spending your cash – make 2010 the year you fight back.

To stop wasting money, simply stop buying more stuff. Cut back on your purchases and ask yourself every time if you really need to make that purchase.

Check out the Simple Dollar for umpteen ideas to save money

At the same time stop being wasteful with what you already have. It is shocking how so much of the food we buy in the Western world gets thrown away – estimated at least 20%!

So by being more careful with our food purchasing and eating leftovers in creative ways, we could easily cut our food bill by 20%.

3. Stop wasting your time

This year is about to end, and try as much as we can, we will never get the time that has gone, along with all its opportunities and gifts.

So in 2010 and beyond make the most of your time. Focus on one thing at a time

This is not necessarily about doing less, but about becoming simply productive.

Stop working so hard and stop working all hours. Of course your particular job and career may dictate that you work long hours, but even then look at ways of becoming more effective and efficient.

For example, stop checking your email inbox every few minutes and spending working time on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Though these websites are now clearly a part of our lives it is up to you to be sensible about how you use them.

The point is that whatever you do, see how you can bring more leisure time into your life.

4. Stop Ignoring the key people in your life

Your life is made rich not by the things you have and spend money on, but by the people in your life.

From now onwards, get clear about just what and who is important in your life. Make your family and friends the focus of your life and spend more time with them.

It could be as simple as creating a special occasion once a week or more. Simply stop ignoring your loved ones.

Especially spend more time with your parents and learn what you can, whilst you still can.

Also regularly create a special occassion with your friends.

5. Stop being socially irresponsible

More than ever before, the world needs you to be socially responsible. Learn and accept that how you live your life has an impact on everything and everyone around you, both locally and globally.

Everything you do matters and make’s either a positive or a negative impact on the world. So in 2010, learn more about how you can become personally social responsible.

By cutting down on your purchases, making sensible purchasing choices and recycling your stuff, you will have already started to become more socially responsible.

However, you can begin to do a lot more by becoming much more aware of how your behaviour affects the people around you and how your lifestyle makes a lasting impact on the world.

A socially responsible person will endeavour to have a positive effect on others and enrich his environment. He will strive to make a positive contribution, and will not pollute the atmosphere, both physically and metaphorically.

“Be the Change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi

6. Stop abusing your body

You only have one body for this life. And yet, just look around and you will see so many people simply abusing their bodies.

There is so much you can do immediately to improve your health. If you been very unfit, even if you start by simply walking 10 minutes a day, that will be a great start to a healthier and fitter you in 2010.

Over the next few days, review just what your health is like and decide on ways of how you can finally stop abusing your body.

For 2010, apply my 14 tips to take total self-care of yourself.

7. Stop being Miserable!

Do you laugh easily or do you take life so seriously that you hardly ever smile anymore?

Take a moment right now, look back on 2009 and see if you can remember when it was that you truly laughed deeply.

Life is too short to be miserable. Remember, laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and no one cries with you!

So what will it take for you to be happy?

A lot of people talk about finding your passion but this could well become a life long pursuit and you may never find it. Instead, why not just find your joy?

Learn to be happy and joyous no matter what your work is. Make 2010 the year you embrace joy as a moral obligation!

What things will you start doing in 2010?

Once you have stopped doing the 7 things above, you naturally get drawn to doing the opposite.

So make 2010, the year you:-

adopt a minimalist lifestyle
become prudent with your money
use your time wisely
spend quality time with your loved ones
adopt personal social responsiblity
become truly fit and healthy
live a life of joy and laughter

Please add below in the comments section your own ideas of what you will stop and instead start doing instead.

(Subscribers who got this article as an email can also add their comments by clicking on the title post, whereby you will be taken to my blog online)

Special OFFER for Chrismas and New Year:-

My best-selling book “Get the LIfe you Love” – for £6.99 (plus S&H)

This is the perfect gift for 2010 – order your copy here

10 Simple Tips for Making It Happen Every Day

Arvind Devalia — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:53:55 +0000

I have just come off the phone after talking to a friend about a personal matter. She wanted some advice and as I listened, I realised how sometimes we complicate our lives so much.

What would our lives be like if we could just simply cut out the drama? How can we make something happen in our lives smoothly and simply so our life becomes joyous and free flowing?

To start with, simplicity is key. With a clear intention and just a little bit of prior reflection and planning, everything we do can be made easier and simpler:-

1. Keep it simple. Spend a few minutes reflecting and how you can do something simpler. Cut out the drama.

2. Just do it! Get started and into the flow. The rest will be easy once you have got the momentum

3. Ask others for help. Learn to ask – there is no weakness in seeking help. Delegate if appropriate

4. Don’t do it! Ask yourself – does it really need to be done?! You could be working on the wrong thing. You can even decide never to do it.

5. Clear up as you go along. As you finish one task, tidy up your space and minimise your clutter. Of course, having very little or no clutter in the first place will really help.

6. Be smart about doing it. Learn new tools and techniques to help you do things. Focus on the end goal and don’t spend all your energy on learning for the sake of it.

7. Set a tight deadline. Be realistic but at the same time stretch yourself. Get some strict accountability if it helps you.

8. Make it fun. Otherwise why do it? Make what you do as enjoyable as you can.

9. Focus on the end goal. Be very strict and disciplined with yourself and stick to the task until done. Cut out all distractions.

10. Celebrate when you have done it. A key part of achieving anything – acknowledge yourself and those who have helped you get there.

There we are – some simple tips to make it happen. We are capable of doing so much more and applying these tips will certainly help towards making that a reality.

Start today by doing that one thing which you have been putting off for so long.

Bonus Tip – Mind your own business! Let others be and follow their own journey – you get on with your own life.

Focus on yourself for now – and soon we can begin to look at the bigger picture and solve the world’s challenges!

As Gandhi said – “The difference between what we do, and what are capable of doing, would solve most of the world’s problems”

Simplify your Life and have some FUN!

Arvind Devalia — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:30:20 +0000

It has already been a week since my last post – amazing how quickly the time is going!

My days seem to be going so quickly since I continue to have as full a life as ever. As Einstein once supposedly explained about time and the theory of relativity – 2 hours chatting with a pretty girl will seem like 2 minutes, whilst sitting on a hot stove for 2 minute will seem like 2 hours!

I am now fully back in the flow of making things happen and in the last week alone, I have finalised my book on Corporate Social Responsibility, planned my next book, taken up Ceroc dancing, spent an evening drinking champagne with a friend from Paris, been to the gym 4 times, cooked a gourmet Indian meal, watched some great football matches on TV, played in the London snow (yes, in April!), even watched a couple of DVDs and also done a few days of intensive work.

So how did I manage to do so much over the last 7 days?! Well, there is no secret. I took time out for myself, stopped blogging for a while, focussed on having some fun again in my life and most importantly I didn’t do the things I did NOT want to.

I have also used this time to begin some serious de-cluttering from my life. My home and my physical space is really tidy and clutter free but it is always amazing how one can always find one more thing to let go.

I have slashed my reading list, dumped emails, sent lots of old papers for recycling, taken some clothes to the charity shop, given away some more books, deleted some numbers from my mobile phone of contacts no longer relevant (cruel or what?!) and not surprisingly, my world seems so much lighter and freer.

One of the biggest challenges has actually been to cancel any appointments and not to take on any further time commitments such as networking events or personal development seminars.

A friend called me to confirm my interest at his 2-day weekend seminar and was a little miffed when I said it wasn’t for me and how it didn’t resonate with me. But to me it was about being clear as to what works for me, and my own boundaries.

Conversely, having created this space in my life has meant that suddenly 2 very juicy and exciting business projects have come my way.

As usual there is no rocket science to all of this. Clear the unwanted things from your life and somehow, magically better things come into your life.

What can you let go of today from your life?

What can you make happen in your life?

And just as importantly, what fun or joyous things can you take on in your life?

Move on to Make Things Happen!

Arvind Devalia — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:57:42 +0000

Yesterday was a momentous day for me. I finally closed a long running, costly and draining legal saga after 11 years. I realised it was time to stop going around in circles and move on.

In 1996 I discovered that my parents house was subsiding and it was a real battle to initially convince their insurance company about the seriousness of the subsidence and then to convince them to pay suitable compensation. A long legal battle followed during which time we ended up spending a lot of money for legal and specialist fees.

My parents finally moved to a new home a year ago and I was left with a hefty legal bill. There was also a case for me to sue the legal parties who had represented us as we were misadvised about the validity of our case and the likelihood of us winning had we gone to court.

After months of procrastinating and deciding on whether to take matters further, in a moment of reflection yesterday, I got the clarity to move on. It was time to cut our losses, let things be and focus my energy and time on more positive and productive things.

Ever since that defining moment of making the decision, I feel lighter and relieved. No more negative visions of many more months of legal papers, endless letters and further fees.

The point of sharing all of this is that so often in our lives we can’t see the trees for the wood. Or even the wood for the trees. I can never remember which way around that phrase goes, but to me it means the same thing – look for the bigger picture and see the greater impact of what you say and do.

So my invitation is for you to also consider what things you can let go of in your life and move on?

What grievance can you forgive?
What area or areas of your life are you blocked in?
What will you do to move on?

Take My Clutter Quiz to Add a Spring to Your Life Right Away

Arvind Devalia — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:53:18 +0000

Spring is here!

I am writing this from a beautifully sunny day in central London. Isn’t it funny how I tend to describe the weather, even though I know that the weather is just weather!

So as we look forward to longer, brighter days, the question how can you make each day of your life feel like spring?

How can you literally put a spring in your life everyday?

The answers lies in clearing out the clutter from your life. Before you can start to get a great life, you need to have a clear out – a space in which to create something significant. You must clear out all those things from the past that are holding you back in order to move forward.

Clutter is not just those physical things hoarded for years. It includes relationships, time commitments and other things that use up more of your energy than you can afford to give them.

Is your home full of things you no longer use? Do you have so many commitments that you don’t have quality time for anything? Are you surrounded by people who drain you? If so, then perhaps it is time you reviewed what they add to your life, and what they are taking away. Ask yourself why you are holding on to something.

It is time to let go and move on.

The great benefit of cleaning up your life is that it boosts your energy levels since you are no longer wasting time and mental thoughts on things not of importance to you. You can now focus on the things that really matter.

To get you started, here is my clutter quiz. The idea is to answer NO to as many questions as possible. Wherever you have said YES is an area for further work:-

1. Do you hang on to clothes that no longer fit you?
2. Do you have in your wardrobe items bought years ago and not worn since?
3. Do you own shoes that hurt your feet?
4. Do you own spectacles for old prescriptions?
5. Do you have toiletries or cosmetics which have dried up or are half finished?
6. Do you have a pile of papers /unopened mail/junk mail awaiting action or filing?
7. Do you have a pin-board with more than one layer of papers on it?
8. Do you keep old newspapers or magazines as there is an article you want to read?
9. Do you have so many books there is not enough room on your shelves?
10. Do you own gadgets you never use?
11. Do you have a drawer stuffed full of plastic shopping bags?
12. Do you have half finished projects stashed around the house?
13. Do you have hundreds of photos in boxes, unfiled or not put together in some order?
14. Do you have old medicines and pills stored in a cupboard?
15. Do you have things awaiting repairs for months?
16. Do you keep things purely because they were a gift?
17. Do you keep things in case one day they come in handy?
18. Do things fall out of your cupboards when you open the doors?
19. Do you have problems finding things just when you want them?
20. Do you have in your kitchen any items in cupboards or fridge/freezer past their use by dates?

Start clearing out this area TODAY, even if you get rid of just one item.

Enjoy clearing your clutter and making room for new things in your life – and you will soon have spring in your life everyday:-)

Get Rid of the Clutter in Your Life Today!

Arvind Devalia — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:47:35 +0000

I have previously talked about how it was time to let go and move on from relationships.

It is now time to get serious about clearing the clutter in your life.

Are you still struggling with clutter in your life?

Is your house full of things you no longer use?

Do you have so many commitments that you don’t have quality time for anything?

If so, then it is time you looked at clearing the clutter from your life.

Getting rid of all those things that no longer support you is the first step in having the life you really want.

Clutter to most people is normally those physical things that you have kept over from many years thinking one day you may find a use for it. However it is a lot more than that, and includes relationships, time commitments and other things that unnecessarily take up a lot of your energy.

Now is as good a time as any to look at your own life. Ask yourself why you are holding on to something.

What are you resisting giving up?

What are you afraid of letting go?

Just imagine all the goodness that is just itching to come into your life.

The great benefit of cleaning up your life is that it boosts your energy levels. Go through your entire house, and decide what to throw out, give away, store, sell or keep.

A good rule of thumb is to get rid of everything you absolutely don’t need or haven’t used in the last 12 months. Start your clutter clearing, one small area in one room at a time, and then zap the rest.

Also, remember it is vital to not let the clutter build up again. So assign a home to everything that you wish to keep.

Here are some simple, positive actions to help you get started right away with your clutter clearing.

1. Gather your old clothes and knick knacks and take them to any of the various charity shops in your area. Alternatively, give the items to someone who you know needs them.

2. Go through your kitchen cupboards and discard all those old tins that have been there for years. Empty the fridge of out of date half used jars. You will be amazed at what you will find!

3. Be ruthless with your commitments to other people. It is great to have many friends, but gently let go of the ones that drain you or those that no longer support your life style and aspirations.

4. Clear up some of the things that rob you of your time. Watch less TV and go out in the open a bit more. Just feel that fresh air in your lungs.

5. Have some fun whilst clutter clearing, and do reward yourself afterwards.

Enjoy clearing your clutter!

Time to Let Go and Move On

Arvind Devalia — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:16:36 +0000

Here in the UK, believe it or now, spring is only two months away. Whilst we shudder in the middle of our coldest spell this winter, warmer weather may seem a long time in coming but be assured that it will.

Traditionally, spring is the time when people think of freshening up their homes, clearing out old things and getting ready for the warmer and longer days ahead.

Getting rid of all those things that no longer support you is the first step to getting the life you really want.

Clutter to most people is normally those physical things that you have kept over from many years thinking one day you may find a use for it.

However it is a lot more than that, and includes relationships, time commitments and other things that unnecessarily take up a lot of your energy.

As we spend more time indoors over the coming weeks, why not begin yor clutter clearing now? You do not have to wait till spring.

Over the last few weeks, I personally have explored each and every nook and cranny of my home for things no longer wanted, and last winter I even had a feng shui friend come around to give my home her seal of approval.

Though it may seem harsh, I have also let go of many acquaintances over the last year and made space for new friends and contacts.

So ask yourself what you need to let go over the coming weeks.

What clutter are you still holding on to?

What emotional baggage are you now ready to let go?

Is there a friendship or relationship in your life that has gone beyond its use by date? And are there any other commitments that you can stop making?

Once you let go of all these things, you will have created space for new fresh things to come into your life.

Time to move on ….and create new things in your life.

Time to let go …

New Shoes, New Life!

Arvind Devalia — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:24:42 +0000

Last summer I finally discovered where old shoes go.

As shown in this picture, they go to shoe heaven!

A friend who is a Feng Shui consultant recently told me that one of the best things one can do at the beginning of the New Year is to clear out old shoes and get a new pair.

The idea is that at the beginning of the year, as you are setting off a new path, you literally walk in new shoes. This makes sense as a lot of cultures advocate wearing new clothes at the beginning of the New Year. It is all about bringing in fresh energy and ideas, and letting go of the old.

So if you haven’t already done so, do look at what you can let go from 2006 – start with your wardrobe and your old shoes. I am always amazed how many pairs of shoes we all seem to have nowadays. One of my nephews has at least ten pairs of trainers!

Even if you don’t get yourself a new pair, simply letting go of old shoes will symbolise letting go of old habits and thoughts. Remember to take your unwanted shoes to a charity shop where they can be recycled, if not sent to heaven.

Begin to change your life today – and send some more shoes to heaven