I recently completed an amazing book “Year of Less” by Cait Flander. The book speaks about a popular concept where you shed excess – from clothes to commitments – to make room for what truly matters. Well, what if we applied that same powerful principle not just to our material possessions, but to our personal goals? What if, instead of adding more to our to-do list, we stripped away everything that isn’t essential to achieve what we really want? So getting inspired from it, I have decided to set few goals for myself.
For me, this it will be “Year of Less Distraction, More Yoga, and Consistent Blogging.”
The Paradox of More: Why We Get Stuck
We live in a culture of “more.” More gadgets, more streaming services, more social media trends, more self-improvement books, more “expert” advice. And ironically, the more options we have for self-improvement, the harder it becomes to stick with any of them.
This “paradox of more” is precisely what the “Year of Less” philosophy combats. It forces us to ask: What can I remove to create space for the doing?
My “Less is More” Contract for Yoga and Blogging
Inspired by the intentionality of a “Year of Less,” I’m setting my own rules. This isn’t about punishing myself; it’s about liberating myself from the decision fatigue and distractions that keep me from my mat and my keyboard.
For My Yoga Practice:
- Less Searching, More Doing: No more endless browsing for new yoga classes or tutorials. For now, I’m committing to a consistent 20-minute flow I already know, or simply a series of sun salutations. The goal is daily movement, not daily novelty.
- Less Gear, More Presence: I already have a mat. I don’t need new blocks, straps, or activewear. My focus will be on the sensation in my body, my breath, and being present in the moment, rather than what I look like or what props I “should” be using.
- Less Perfectionism, More Consistency: It doesn’t have to be a perfect 60-minute session. Five minutes of stretching is better than zero. The “less” here is the pressure to be perfect; the “more” is the unshakeable habit.
For My Blog:
- Less Planning, More Writing: I’m putting a moratorium on “blog post idea brainstorming sessions” that last hours. I have a backlog of ideas. The goal is to pick one and write. Even if it’s just 200 words.
- Less Distraction, More Focus: During my designated writing time, all social media apps are off-limits. Email is closed. My phone is on silent, face down. This is about creating a sacred space for words to flow without interruption.
- Less Editing in Real-Time, More Drafting: I often get stuck trying to perfect a sentence while writing the first draft. The “less” here is self-censorship during the drafting phase. The “more” is letting ideas pour out, knowing I can refine them later.
The Freedom in Restriction
It sounds counterintuitive, but limiting my choices actually creates immense freedom. When I’m not paralyzed by endless options, I’m free to act. When I’m not chasing shiny new objects, I’m free to deepen my commitment to the practices that genuinely enrich my life.
This isn’t just about doing more yoga and writing more blog posts. It’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with myself, my body, and my voice. It’s about proving that sometimes, by embracing less, we gain so much more.
To keep myself honest in this Year of Less, I’m committing to sharing my progress right here on the blog at least twice a week. Whether it’s a breakthrough on the mat or a finished draft, I’ll be documenting the highs and lows of doing more with less.
Now, I want to hear from you: If you’ve found a minimalist tip or a resource that has helped you stay consistent, please share it in the comments! Let’s learn from each other 🙂
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