Update 2

Back in the post, Empty Pockets, I talked about what I carry with me daily. A lot has changed since January. Now I carry what some would consider less, and some consider more:

• Phone
• Notebook
• Pen
• Wallet
• Occasionally my keys clipped to my belt

Now I've carried a notebook and pen only since my last post, Update, but it's become quite the habit. I am starting to get the naked feeling when I don't have it on me. I write down so much stuff in it throughout the day.

But that's the thing! I don't want to be reliant on items. I don't know if this just isn't the system for me, or I just need to get used to this. Maybe the fact that I have a notebook in my pocket is odd for me. Either way, I like being able to write things down. It's quick, personal, and efficient.

Next on my list of habits is to start an inbox system. My desk is like any other teenagers: cluttered. I declutter it frequently, but have yet found a system that I personally like to keep it clear. What I plan to do is to have a single "box" (I don't know physically what it will be yet) to put all incoming papers/items into. The habit itself is to go through this box completely every day so that it is empty by the time I go to sleep. This is going to become quite a habit to start; I need to break my bad habit of having a cluttered desk.

I like focusing on one habit at a time. It has given me the ability to focus on it fully. I am looking forward to these new changes in my life.

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Disconnect and Be Present

Your computer and phone were initially designed to save time, let you connect more with people, and maybe even relieve stress. But actually, it is the opposite. Right now, reading this blog post probably isn't the sole purpose of why you got on your computer. You maybe want to check Facebook, Twitter, or watch YouTube. Maybe even read the news. I'm not going to say give up doing all of that, I'm guilty of it too. I'm saying don't do it just because it's there.


What I am going to tell you is to disconnect.


Turn off the internet when you don't need to use it. It creates distractions and essentially makes any task longer. If you absolutely need the internet, use the full screen mode or close your other tabs. This lets you focus on what you need to accomplish.


I hung out with some friends the other day, and when I got there, a buddy of mine was searching his car for his phone. I helped him out, but without any luck, we couldn't find it. He then called his dad to see if it was at home. It was, and my friend was relieved. I was glad and started to go to the ice cream shop we wanted to go to. He had a different plan. Not only did he say he felt naked without it, he went back home to get it. He then arrived 20 minutes after everyone else, when he was actually the first one there. Even though the purpose of him going out was to be with other people. That got me thinking even more about disconnecting.


People don't even need their phones with them 24/7. It's a waste. Turn it off if you carry it around. An even better idea is to leave it at home. I know sometimes it can be a necessity to have it on you, but that doesn't mean keep it on. Turn it off instead.


How often do you go somewhere with the people you care about just to have your face in your phone talking to people you aren't with?


Turn it off and focus on the people you're with! Appreciate the moment you are in. Be present and not miles away talking to someone else. That text, Facebook and Twitter can wait, and so can you.

Update

I didn't update like I wanted to. I have accomplished a lot since I wrote last. 

• I read Zen To Done by Leo Babauta. This ebook is great. I am now trying the system out. It's about creating habits, productivity, and achieving goals in a simplified way. 
• I decluttered much of my closet. I tore apart my closet and got rid of all the junk and trash. Now everything is in its place.
• My desk has stayed relatively clear. I say relatively because I don't have an inbox set up yet. All of my "to do's" have piled up. That's one of the next things in the Zen To Done (ZTD) system for me.
• I've started carrying around a small notebook. Instead of getting out my phone, going to the notes application, and typing, I now have a notebook to write my MITs and to do's. I've also started capturing ideas and the like in it. It's become useful and I hope to continue to use it.

I go to orientation this week for The Ohio State University. I'll get a good idea of what I will need in college, so I will be able to write down my list of everything I am bringing to college. I plan on doing the 100 Thing Challenge. I'm only bringing 100 things to college. I can't wait to start making the list!

I'll be able to update more frequently now that I have started ZTD. It consists of 10 habits I need to make, and I will record what I do. 

A Simple Summer

My summer plans have grown exponentially over the last couple weeks. I have a 40 hour per week job babysitting and a bunch of things I want to do. It has become so overwhelming with my plans, my parents plans, preparing for college, hanging out with friends, and my friends plans that I have no "time" do just take it all in. So I broke it all down and summed it all into simpler plans.


My current summer plans/goals:

• Construct another blog
• Write an ebook
• Write everyday
• Vacation with my family
• Babysitting
• Climbing
• Work on personal goals/habits

I feel that most plans are limiting. I still have a few things here and there I have scheduled. For example: I am going rappelling in late June. But I don't have anything scheduled that will take up a vast amount of time. I am now free to work on goals and habits. I am also free to schedule last minute things. I can also do more routine things like working out, or going climbing. Not only did I free up my commitments, I removed future stress from my summer.

Documenting My Simple Life

This summer, I'm going to implement everything I've read, agree with, and have always thought "I want to try that sometime." I'm not saying I don't live simply, because I do. I have learned over my "break" from writing that since I wasn't writing, I started to revert back to a complicated lifestyle. My room started getting messy, I had more stress, and work was just piling up in my life.


My solution? I'm going to make a list of every topic, every idea, and every system I've come across in my journey to become a minimalist and have a simple life. My goal this summer is to focus on making my life more simple, and to document all of it. That way I will always have something to write about frequently, and it will make me think and prepare for other entries. Tomorrow's post will be of my plans. Meanwhile this summer, I will be writing my ebook. The only thing I will say about it is that it will be useful for all students even if they are not interested in "living simply." 

I will post once to twice a week sharing what I've done to make my life simpler. If something happens or comes up, I will post about it. 


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