Simplify.: 106 Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life

Reviewed by Cathy Yanda for Reader Views (5/08) Has there been one day in your life where you knew if you could just get things together, your life would be much better? Has there been more than one? If you are like most of us, the answer would be a resounding YES! In this case, this book is for you. If you have never experienced the need to simplify and uncomplicate your life, you can stop now, as this book is not for you. Borthwick writes, "Lack of focus often manifests itself in multi-tasking that results in unfinished projects." I never thought this was true for me until his words caused me to think more about it. He was right. I began thinking about what I needed to do to make things happen, to tend to the more important things in my life and found that I would have more time and focus if I let go of some things that I really didn't need or want to do. "Simplify" is a small book that is laid out in short chapters around topics that look at determining whether you need or want something, staying fit, how to spend your downtime, and much more. The book has many references to Biblical principles and a resource appendix. With 106 different topics, you can choose to read one a day, two a week, or even one a week, or you can do as I did and read the entire book, highlight the ones you need to concentrate on and re-read them as needed. Borthwick reminds us to remember that our life is not the norm for others, and that we should make decisions about how our life goes. We cannot depend on someone else to do so. He shares that "God's priorities for us are summarized in Micah 6:8. What does God want from us? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." When we begin to look at our lives through this test, we will begin to live with moderation in all things. "Simplify" is highly recommended reading for those of us who have at any time felt like we lost control of some of the important things in life and want a simpler, better life.

Simplify is not exactly the book that I thought it would be when I picked it up. To me, the title suggested that this book would tell me how to manage my time and focus on the really important things in my life. That by the end of the book, I would feel just a little more centered and would have deleted a half dozen things off my to do list. Perhaps, I might even come away with an idea of why I overstress myself and be armed with a few new strategies to counteract this unhealthy behavior. Instead, as I read through Simplify, I realized that this was a book about downsizing your life of material objects and saving money in the process. I'm already pretty frugal (downright cheap) so the majority of the ideas presented in this work are already part of my routine. Still, it's a very important concept, especially in this material driven world. I am sure that many people are looking for ideas to help them save money so that they can focus on their faith and family.

If the simple life equates with the good life, then it stands to reason that the more complicated, cluttered, disorganized, and complex the life the less likely life will be experienced as 'good' on a day to day basis. That's why Paul Borthwick (a Senior Consultant for Development Associates International -- a training group dedicated to the character and ministry development of leaders in third world countries) draws upon his years of experience and expertise to write "Simplify: 106 Ways To Uncomplicate Your Life", a compendium of tips, tricks, techniques, and strategies to get more out of life by decluttered the daily schedule, reducing wasted efforts on things that don't really matter, keeping fit, becoming aware of how our time is being spent, and fostering a life-style that is truly suited to our needs and deftly adapted to our aspirations. Practical, articulate, and very highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve the quality of their daily life, "Simplify" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring.