Yesterday, an interview I had with Beth Dargis about my book, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life was posted on her blog, My Simpler Life. So, I thought, given how important simplicity is in living on purpose, I’d dig into my rather large file of articles to see what I had on the subject. And, what I found was TEN STEPS TO SIMPLIFYING LIFE, which will be delivered in simple, digestible chunks over the next few days. So, here let’s get started:

Perhaps you woke up one morning to realize the old joke is true: “Even if you finish the rat race in first, you’re still a rat.” Or maybe, the thought crept in more slowly, wedging itself into your consciousness while sitting in the five o’clock traffic jam as you commute home. However it appeared, you now realize it’s time for a change to a simpler way of life.

But how do you start? These 10 steps will provide you with guidance to propel you along the path.

1. The 1st step may be the easiest for many people because by the time you’re reading this it may already have been accomplished. That is making up your heart and mind that it’s time to simplify, even better if the decision has moved to the level of being committed. If not, don’t worry. It’s quite possible to test the waters of simple living before diving in.

2. A helpful realization to tag on to the decision to simplify is to realize that it’s a process most easily and simply accomplished slowly and mindfully. Bringing the “rat race mentality” of drive, determination and “get the job done no matter what” can be self defeating. So, ease up and enjoy the ride.

3. The next step may be a little more difficult, but it can beaccomplished by everyone, even those who consider themselves the exception. Carve out a little space and time for self reflection. Maybe it’s 1 night a week, or a few lunch breaks where you take your bag lunch to a quiet park bench, or a weekend when you tell everyone you’re going away and then you don’t. Or you go somewhere quiet and serene with only one agenda — to be with yourself. It’s fine to take your family as long as they agree to participate in the purpose of the trip, which is step 4, 5 and 6…. which we’ll explore on our next posting, so stayed tuned

In the meantime, I’d love to hear some tips on what you have found works in simplifying your life. Maybe we can come up with the next Top 10 list right here on the blog.