Tomorrow I leave for a 2 week vacation in France. As I pull the excess stuff from my overpacked suitcase, I'm applying the wisdom of Leo Babauta's book The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential...in Business and in Life, summarized beautifully by Josh Kaufman. If you don't have time to read the book (the very reason you should read the book), then get a preview by reading Josh's synopsis. Here are just a few of the big ideas from The Power of Less as summarized in Josh's words:
“1. Simplicity means identifying what’s essential, then eliminating the rest.
2. Focusing on the essential produces the most results for the least effort.
3.You must set limits – they don’t set themselves.
4. Focus on only one thing at a time.
5.Limit your active goals and projects to no more than 3-4 at a time.
6. Establish three Most Important Tasks (MITs) every day, and do those before working on anything else.
7. Batch similar tasks together to preserve your focus.
8. Installing positive habits is easiest when you start small, then build on your early success.
9. Consciously minimize your active commitments, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to new ones.
10. Slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the process.”
Wish me luck as I accomplish my 3 most important tasks for the day, packing, communicating with others regarding the trip and selecting some great spots to visit. Suggestions welcome!