Living a Simple Life. A Life most Uncommon.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

- Leonardo da Vinci

Today's discussion on the Easy FM breakfast show was quite interesting. It sought to address the firmly held belief that the only way to achieve and make it big is to move to the towns.

I have always believed that you can actually make it regardless of where you are. If only you start small, start now and think big. It is the here and now that ultimately shapes one's future.

Success, Riches and Wealth

These three terms will invariably pop up in any discussion that touches on achievement. Interestingly, almost everyone aspires to be wealthy. Many however, mistakenly believe that it takes riches to be successful or wealthy.

Jim Collins, one of my favorite authors, writes that

"there are two ways to be wealthy. One is to have a huge amount of money. The other is to have simple needs."

Personally, I will opt for the latter any day.

Simplicity

Much has been said about simplicity. Rules of Simplicity have been formulated, talks given and reality shows created in an effort to depict simplicity. In fact, one of the best known non-fiction books is Walden [Life in the Woods] by Henry David Thoreau.

This past Saturday, I was honored to sit with a dear friend and at one point, we discussed how human beings complicate life. All in all, we were in agreement that life can be significantly simple and manageable if we took time to focus on things that matter, dispense with what doesn't necessary concern us and try to seek long-term fulfillment in the stead of transient satisfaction. And this is very much possible when we are living within our means.

Life Uncommon

Seeking to live a life that is simple, fulfilling and worthwhile inevitably demands that one goes against the grain in most situations. We can however take heart from Steve Jobs's words as he gave a commencement address at Stanford University.

Don’t let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition...

All in all, it is possible to live a simple life. That life however , will be most uncommon.

Now say hello to a worthwhile, simple and most uncommon life. Because as Steve Jobs continues to say,

"[your heart and intuition] somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."