If you want a simpler life, say goodbye to these 7 attachments

In the world I exist in, simplicity is not just an aspiration; it’s a necessity. Your possessions, though, seem to have a different plan.

We’re living in an era of relentless consumerism and excess, so it seems sensible to evaluate people based on what they own rather than what they say or do.

But let’s take this a step further.

What matters even more than your possessions are the attachments you hold towards them. This implies that desires do matter, but only insofar as they lead you to accumulate things that complicate your life rather than simplifying it.

Below, I’ve outlined seven attachments that you need to say goodbye to if you’re truly seeking a simpler life.

1) Attachment to material possessions

This is probably the most obvious one.

Consider your lifestyle right now. You’re surrounded by an abundance of things. Your wardrobe is filled with clothes you barely wear. Your shelves are stacked with books you never read. You own gadgets that have lost their novelty and thus you’ve most likely grown bored with them.

To embrace a simpler life, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not beholden to these material possessions. You’ve been operating under societal pressure.

It’s crucial to detach from the illusion of happiness that comes from believing your worth is tied to what you own. It isn’t. Your value comes from who you are, and it’s most significant when it isn’t linked to material objects. When you live authentically.

If you can stop depending on material possessions and start creating a lifestyle that aligns with your values, the simplicity you seek will become evident in your life. You won’t need to accumulate so much.

You will be able to let go of the attachment to material possessions.

Once you begin to let go of material possessions, you naturally start to question your attachment to comfort zones.

The process of detaching from physical items opens the door to challenging the familiar patterns and routines that may be hindering your growth and simplicity.

2) Attachment to comfort zones

This realization came to me from venturing into the unfamiliar and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Conventional wisdom often encourages us to “stick to what we know” or “play it safe”. While this advice is commonplace and comforting, it’s not conducive to a simpler life.

Instead, a simpler life comes from embracing the discomfort of uncertainty. It comes from challenging your comfort zones.

As one wise philosopher, Mooji, said:

“Step into the fire of self-discovery. This fire will not burn you, it will only burn what you are not.”

When you try to “stick to the familiar” all the time, you give too much power to your comfort zones. You forfeit the freedom that comes from embracing change.

Now, I give less power to my comfort zones. Sometimes I face fear. Other times, I encounter difficulties. I no longer fear this. Embracing new experiences has led me to a simpler and more fulfilling life.

As you step out of your comfort zones, you’ll likely confront the societal expectations that have shaped these zones. Recognizing that these norms often contribute to unnecessary complexity in your life is a key step towards embracing a simpler, more authentic existence.

3) Attachment to societal expectations

This was a challenging one for me to untangle.

Living “the right way” came from the belief that societal norms were the blueprint for a successful life. But the reality is, these expectations were what shaped my decisions after the fact.

Think about your life right now. You’ve taken certain steps because it’s what was expected, not necessarily because it’s what you wanted. You’ve chosen a career, a relationship, a lifestyle based on societal norms.

If you’re going to live a simpler life, it’s paramount to accept that you’re not obligated to meet societal expectations. You’re operating independently.

It’s essential to let go of the illusion of satisfaction that comes from believing meeting societal expectations equates success. It doesn’t. Your happiness does, and it is most profound when it happens without societal influence. 

If you can stop relying on societal norms and start creating conditions in your life that reflect who you truly are, your simple life will become apparent from what happens in your life. You won’t need to try so hard.

You will be able to let go of the attachment to societal expectations.

Letting go of societal expectations naturally leads to a reevaluation of how you view past failures and successes. Understanding that these are not definitive of your worth or future allows you to focus more on the present moment, further simplifying your perspective on life.

4) Attachment to past failures and successes

I embarked on writing this article by highlighting the importance of actions over intentions.

The thing is, actions and intentions also dictate how we perceive our past.

In my experience, I often find myself dwelling on past failures or basking in the glory of prior successes.

My intentions are pure. I use past failures as a learning curve and past successes as motivation.

But when I get so engrossed in the past, I can slip into the habit of believing my previous experiences are more important than my present moment. I lose touch with the now. I become anxious or complacent and am probably not fully engaged with what’s happening around me.

If I judged myself on my intentions, I wouldn’t question my behavior.

Instead, because I don’t focus on my intentions, I am more able to reflect on my actions and change how I behave. I am learning to let go of the past and appreciate the present moment.

How you treat your past is what matters, not the intentions that shape your perception of it.

Releasing the hold of past experiences paves the way to address your attachment to perfection.

When you stop judging yourself based on past achievements or failures, it becomes easier to let go of the unrealistic pursuit of perfection, simplifying your approach to life’s challenges and opportunities.

5) Attachment to perfection

This is a personal example that I’ve struggled with for a long time.

The pursuit of “perfection” was something that was ingrained in me from an early age. I believed that to be successful and happy, I had to achieve perfection in all aspects of life. But the reality is, this fixation on perfection was what held me back.

Let me share a story.

A few years ago, I decided to learn how to play the guitar. I was so fixated on playing each chord perfectly that I ended up feeling frustrated and eventually gave up. My attachment to perfection didn’t allow me to enjoy the process of learning something new. It robbed me of the joy of making music.

If you’re going to embrace a simpler life, it’s crucial to accept that perfection is an illusion. 

It’s important to let go of the illusion of perfection that comes from believing you need to be flawless. You don’t. Your progress matters more, and it is most rewarding when it happens without the pressure of perfection. When you act naturally.

If you can stop relying on perfection and start embracing your flaws and celebrating your progress, your life will become simpler. You won’t need to try so hard. You will be able to let go of the attachment to perfection.

The realization that perfection is unattainable helps in reassessing other habits, such as multitasking.

Understanding that trying to do everything perfectly often leads to complexity, you begin to see the value in focusing on one task at a time, further simplifying your daily routine.

6) Attachment to multitasking

In our digitally connected era, multitasking is often seen as a valuable skill. We believe that doing multiple things at once can save time and boost productivity. However, our brains are not designed for multitasking.

Here’s the key point:

This information urges us to reassess our habits, to understand how our brains work, and to honor the power of focused attention.

For those feeling overwhelmed, focusing on one task at a time can provide a sense of calm. It’s a reminder that we are not computers, capable of running multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.

Letting go of multitasking encourages us to see our tasks as part of a sequential process rather than a chaotic scramble. This can instill a sense of purpose and order, making life simpler and more manageable.

As you move away from multitasking towards focused, singular tasks, it becomes apparent that solitude isn’t always the path to simplicity. Balancing alone time with meaningful connections can lead to a more enriched and straightforward life.

7) Attachment to solitude

Simplicity often connotes solitude. We envision a life of quiet, alone with our thoughts and free from the noise of the world. But the reality is, this attachment to solitude can actually complicate our lives.

Consider our inherent social nature. Humans are wired for connection. Our relationships enrich us, challenge us, and often teach us more about ourselves than solitude ever could.

The key here isn’t to isolate ourselves in pursuit of simplicity. It’s to deliberately choose who we spend our time with, forging connections that nourish us and distancing ourselves from relationships that drain us.

This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your own company. Instead, it’s about finding a balance, understanding that a simpler life doesn’t necessarily mean a solitary one.

By letting go of the attachment to solitude, we open ourselves up to the beauty of shared experiences, which can ultimately lead to a simpler and more fulfilling life.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

The complexities of human habits and the pursuit of simplicity often have profound connections to our personal values and aspirations.

One such connection is the relationship between our attachments and our lifestyle choices.

These attachments, prevalent in many of us, act as a framework in our minds, playing a crucial role in how we live our lives.

For those seeking a simpler life, understanding these attachments might be a key factor in their journey towards simplicity. The knowledge could potentially induce a sense of clarity and contentment as they start to let go of these attachments.

Whether it’s saying goodbye to material possessions, societal expectations, past failures or successes, perfection, multitasking, solitude, or even our comfort zones, the underlying principle remains the same – embracing change.

Remember the words of Lao Tzu: “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

As we navigate through life, it’s essential to remember that simplicity isn’t about deprivation or isolation.

It’s about balance, understanding what truly matters to us, and creating space for those things.

It’s about letting go of the unnecessary so we can hold onto what truly enriches us.

Simplicity, in its truest form, is about living consciously and authentically.

Reflect on that as you move forward on your journey to a simpler life.