There is a misconception that simplicity is about taking a step back. That a simple life is a move toward something outdated, outgrown, or even selling short our potential. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Living a simpler life is not a step back. Just the opposite. It is a step forward.
It is a deliberate, courageous, counter-cultural step forward. It is a step toward a life more aligned with our values, more focused on what matters, and more fulfilling in ways that material possessions and societal status can never provide.
Choosing to live a simple life is not about settling for less—it is about moving toward more and better. It is about taking a stand for the kind of life we want to live and recognizing that culture’s most-praised pursuits—money, possessions, prestige—often distract us from meaning, significance, and joy.
Consider it this way, a simple life is…
A Step Toward Values
When we choose simplicity, we prioritize our deepest values over cultural expectations.
Society often tells us to measure success by the size of our bank account, the neighborhood of our home, the number (or value) of our possessions, or the career we hold. But deep down, we all know those things do not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. They are temporary and fleeting. And even worse, they sometimes come at the cost of our well-being, faith, relationships, and peace of mind.
Choosing a simple life frees us from the constant pressure to keep up with others and enables us to live a life that is true to ourselves. And that sounds like a step forward to me!
A Step Toward Intentionality
A simple life is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Living a simple life means intentionally promoting the things we most value and removing everything that distracts us from it.
As a result, it forces intentionality upon us. It helps us bring improvement in almost all aspects of life because a simple life is a decision to focus on things that matter. It invites us to invest our time, energy, and resources in the things that align with our deepest values (however we define that).
Intentionality looks different for everybody, as no two individuals are the same, but it requires each of us to dive deeper and become more introspective about our values and passions.
A Step Toward Impact
Living a simpler life brings not just personal benefit, it also sets an example for others. When we choose to live simply, we send a powerful message to our children, our peers, and our community. We show them that there is a different way to live—a way that is not driven by materialism or consumerism, but by values, integrity, and purpose.
In a world that is increasingly obsessed with consumption, it is even more important that someone model a different way of living. By choosing simplicity, we show our children that true happiness is not found in the accumulation of possessions—it must be found elsewhere.
A Step Toward Opportunity
Happiness is not found in money, possessions, or prestige. These things may bring temporary pleasure or a quick hit of dopamine, but they do not lead to lasting fulfillment. Lasting happiness must be found elsewhere.
Simplicity is a step forward because it removes our pursuit of happiness in such things. Where do people look for happiness when living a simple life? Well, that answer will change from one person to another. But a simple life always shifts our pursuit of happiness away from unfulfilling places. And that is a powerful step forward.
A Step Toward Responsibility
Living a simpler life is a step forward because it calls us to recognize our responsibility to the world and to others. In a world of limited resources, it is more important than ever that we live with intention and mindfulness. By choosing to live simply, we reduce our impact on the environment, free up resources for generosity, and free up our lives to live for a cause bigger than ourselves.
A Step Toward Health
A simpler life often leads to better physical, mental, and emotional health. One must only look at the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress to recognize that our current way of living is not sustainable.
By choosing to live a simple life, we reduce the nonessentials in our lives and often reduce stress and anxiety as well. We also make more intentional choices about our diet, exercise, and overall well-being. Simplicity allows us to prioritize self-care and mindfulness, which are essential for a healthy, balanced life.
A Step Toward Contentment
Simplicity helps us find contentment in what we have rather than constantly seeking more. It teaches us to appreciate the small joys and blessings that life offers each day.
When we focus less on all the things we want, we are able to appreciate more the good that we already have. And when we stop comparing ourselves to others, we open ourselves to finding a deep sense of contentment and peace. This shift in perspective also allows us to live a life of gratitude.
It is important for all of us to remember that living a simpler life is not a step back. It is a step forward into a life that is richer, fuller, and more aligned with our true selves. It is a step forward into a life that is guided by values, not by societal pressures. It is a step forward into a life that is more intentional, more impactful, and more fulfilling.
What are you waiting for?