We seem to be Living in an era of more. More things we want, more stuff we have – all leading to more and more stress. This is especially apparent in the US with people work longer and harder to make more money and to buy more stuff. 

All of this Focus on wanting more has a high price to pay, so, let’s look into an alternative and look into why less is more.

Who said ‘Less is More’ and What does it mean?

Less is more was originally said by the 19th century poet Robert Browning in the poem Andrea del Sarto. 

“Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged…”

Later in the 20th century, German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized the term ‘less is more’. He believed elegance did not derive from abundance and that less could provide more of a design impact when deployed correctly. (source)

Of course, this philosophy was focused on architecture and minimalist design. When we look at the term ‘less is more’ from a personal perspective it can apply to all aspects of life. This is what we’re focusing on today.

When we look at what less is more means in today’s world, we think of having a minimalist mindset. A minimalist mindset allows us to create space for personal growth and happiness. 

The definition according to WritingExplained.org is tied to the word simplicity… 

“Simplicity is better than elaborate embellishment; Sometimes something simple is better than something advanced or complicated.”

The Benefits of Living With Less

Living with less has a positive impact on so many areas of our lives and is the basis of living a minimalist lifestyle.

Living with less means…

• Appreciating what you do have (those little things) because you’re not seeking out more
• Having more quality time for things that matter most
• It’s easier to focus and be productive, by having fewer distractions
• Less anxiety and stress with more calmness and joy

30 Less Is More Examples

The below less is more examples covers various areas of life from home, work, personal growth, relationships and more.

When you read through each of these examples, you’ll notice a common theme… 

When you spend less time on things that aren’t important you’re creating more time for things that truly matter.

1. Less Stuff = More Peace of Mind

Having a smaller amount of stuff by mainly sticking to the essential things you need means having less stress too. Having fewer things (material possessions) taking up space in your home also means it takes up less space in your mind. 

This creates more time to enjoy the space you’re in so you can create a calm, inviting getaway that you get to be part of daily.

2. Less Self-Criticism = More Self-Compassion

Standing up for ourselves and focusing on self-love is what self-compassion is all about, but in order to be self-compassionate we need to knock out self-criticism for good. 

Instead of being our own worst enemy, we need to stand up for ourselves like we would a good friend.

3. Less Decisions = More Mental Clarity

A great way to do this is to limit your daily decisions. There are things we have to do every single day… cooking and working are some big ones. 

When it comes to cooking, instead of wondering what you’re making for dinner at 3 p.m. every day, do some meal planning and meal prep at the beginning of the week. This way you’ll have recipes or food prepped and ready to go at the end of a long day.

Try my printable weekly meal planner to help you get started.

When it comes to work, aim to write you to do list for the following day at the end of your work day. That way you can jump into work right away without wondering what you need to prioritize that day.

You can do this in other areas of your life too. Just think about other things you can automate.

4. Less Spending = More Saving

Pretty simple. The less you spend, the more opportunity to have to save.

Saving for things that matter, like:

• Retirement
• That rainy day that inevitably comes
• Family vacations and experiences
• Buying a home
• Renovating your current home

To get started with saving here are some things you can do:

• Redo your monthly budget and allocate 20% to savings (or less if 20% isn’t achievable right now – every bit counts)
• Set up automatic monthly transfers to your savings account – and better yet, look for a savings account that has interest you can earn
• Find ways to reduce spending – for example: don’t order in, look for free activities

5. Less Waste = More Kindness To The Planet

I think we can all agree that less waste is better for the planet, but it’s also better for our wallets too. 

Here are some things you can do to reduce waste:

• Don’t buy food in bulk, unless you really need that quantity
• Bring a list to the grocery store so you only buy what you need
• Make a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal once a week. One-pot meals are great for this… soup, chilli, stew, curry. 
• Freeze big batches of meals, so they won’t spoil in your fridge
• Buy less fast fashion – it falls apart way too ‘fast’. Did you know that fast fashion generates more CO2 than aviation and shipping combined (source)
• Always use reusable bottles and containers
• Buy food with less packaging (much of this packaging can’t be recycled)
• Buy second-hand items and donate what you’re no longer using

There are so many more ways to reduce waste, but this will give you a place to start.

6. Less Negative Thinking = More Gratitude

I’m a firm believer that we all have a simple choice to make every day. Choose to look at what’s not going well – or choose to look for the positive.

When we practice being grateful it becomes a habit that can make a massive change to our lives. 

Sure, we all have hardships, trauma and stressful events in our lives. This is part of being human, but the even better part of the human experience is getting to choose happiness – and the best place to start is with gratitude.

• Look for small things to be grateful for on a daily basis
• Write in a gratitude journal like this one I created
• Give thanks to the people who are there for you
• Focus on the good things in life

7. Less Scrolling = More Intentional Living

I have a task for you. Take a look at your phone and see what your daily screen time is. It might shock you.

Of course, some of this will be spent on work or connecting with loved ones, but in many cases, time is spent scrolling on social media – you know who you are!

When you have less time wasted you can put it to use toward things you want to do in your life.

8. Less Quantity = More Quality

Everything is made so cheaply these days as people are constantly buying more and more. This stuff is made of poor quality and doesn’t last long. 

So, instead of buying more fast fashion or cheaply made less expensive items, aim to look for quality.

This means you’ll be buying less stuff at a slightly higher price point. But because the quality is higher it will last you longer, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

9. Less Clutter = More Calmness

When you have less clutter in your life, whether it’s physical clutter or digital clutter you feel more at peace. 

If you have a cluttered home or office space it’s harder to find things such as those car keys, your phone or that book you’ve been looking for.

There are many mental health benefits to decluttering according to Utah State University. Everything from sharpened focus, anxiety relief, being more productive and boosting your mood.

10. Less Furniture = More Open Space

Having a little more empty space in your home means it’s easier to clean and you’re space will seem larger too.

This especially makes a difference in smaller homes like mine. So, instead of packing your living room with furniture in every corner allow your space to breathe.

This also applies to those of you who are storing furniture and not using it. You might be paying for a storage locker or keeping unused furniture in your garage or basement. 

11. Less Clothing = More Closet Space

More closet space means you can actually find what you’re looking for! I have to say that I’m guilty of this and it’s something I’m working on. It also means that you have fewer options to choose from so it’s easier to choose what to wear.

My goal is to create a capsule wardrobe that works for me. Something I feel good in that is good for my lifestyle. My weight tends to fluctuate, which is why I find this a little harder, but I’m getting better. 

This tactic is tied directly to point #8 as well. It’s easier to have fewer clothes when you buy quality, not quantity.

12. Less Digital Clutter = More Focus

Digital clutter comes in all shapes and sizes and it can be just as stressful (if not more) than physical clutter. 

This applies to having less…

• Unopened emails in your inbox
• Email lists you’re signed up to but never open
• Apps on your phone that you aren’t using
• Social media accounts that don’t bring you joy
• Bookmarked sites you don’t use
• Documents that aren’t filed in the right place
• Notifications and alerts that constantly interrupt you

13. Less Junk Food = Better Physical Health

I’m not going to deny that I have a sweet tooth, but I also eat a well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense plant-based foods. I do this not only for my health today but my health in the long run. 

If you’re interested in learning more about a healthy plant-based diet check out: How To Go Vegan For Beginners (from my other website I’m starting up).

14. Less People Pleasing = More Time For You

Do you find yourself thinking about ways to make others happy all the time, yet you aren’t looking after yourself? 

Whether you want to admit it or not you might be a people pleaser. I understand as I naturally have these tendencies too and they can lead to upset and overwhelm, especially when you feel others expect you to always be there.

Instead of catering to others first, think about what you need. 

What can you do to support and love yourself?

Related: 10 Ways To Stop Being A People Pleaser

15. Less Procrastinating = More Action

We can all be guilty of a little procrastination from time to time, but if you feel like you’re constantly procrastinating take a step back and think about why. 

Why are you putting this (enter task) off?

Does it feel like too much work?

If so, I recommend breaking the larger task down into smaller pieces. 

16. Less Negative Self-Talk = More Confidence

Negative self-talk is something we all have. We listen to that critical inner monologue and can start to believe what we hear on repeat. However, you can gain more confidence by replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. 

These are little statements you affirm about yourself or a situation that can be used to inspire, motivate and help you keep going.

Learn more about positive affirmations and how to use them.

17. Less Sitting = More Walking

Here are some fun ways to increase you steps by sitting less…

• Use a standing desk with a treadmill
• Go for a walk first thing in the morning and last thing at night
• Get up every 30 minutes for a 5 minute break and a stretch
• Walk while doing other activities like talking on the phone or listening to a podcast 
• Walk instead of taking your car

18. Less Complaining = More Problem-Solving

When you spend time complaining about something that’s not going according to plan, nothing changes. However, if you focus on problem solving instead of complaining you’ll soon have nothing to complain about!

A good example is if you’re in a job you hate.

You could complain about it all day long – or do something about your situation…

• Look for a new job
• Ask your boss for constructive feedback so you can grow
• Tell your boss you’d like a promotion and want to make a plan on how to get there
• Find other things you might like about your job – the money, the people, etc

19. Less Multi-tasking = More Single-tasking

It’s proven that multi-tasking isn’t possible for our brains. We may think we’re multi-tasking but in reality, our brain is just switching from one task to the other.

“That switching comes with a biological cost that ends up making us feel tired much more quickly than if we sustain attention on one thing,” says Daniel Levitin, professor of behavioural neuroscience at McGill University.

So stick to one thing at a time. Try setting a timer for 30 or 60 minutes and only allow yourself to focus on that one thing. You can always check your email later.

20. Less Perfectionism = More Results

The aim to be perfect prevents us from accomplishing things that matter – both at work and in our personal lives.

Perfect should not be the goal, especially if it’s preventing you from doing what you want and need.

For example:

• Not going to the gym because you don’t feel you look fit enough
• Not completing that presentation on time because you need to tweak just a little more

Remember, progress, not perfection.

More Less is More Examples That Will Keep You Thinking

21. More faith = less fear

22. Less hate = more love

23. Less doubting = more believing

24. Less worrying about the past and the future = more living in the present

25. Less sadness = more joy

26. Less talking = more listening

27. Less stress = more contentment

28. Less consuming = more creating

29. Less work = more play

30. Less self-loathing = more self-love

Keep Learning About The Less Is More Philosophy

I highly recommend ‘Less is More’, but Jason Hickel. He gives us hope by exploring the best possible solution to the current climate crisis, which is ‘degrowth’. 

The philosophy of ‘less is more’ is needed for a sustainable future, to restore balance and knock out overconsumption and years of capitalism, especially in the United States.

Less Really Is More: Final Thoughts

No matter which way you look at things more times than not, less really is more!

Having too much stuff can lead to stress and worry.

Putting too much time toward things that don’t matter, leaves us feeling cheated.

The good thing is we can choose a different way to live by take small steps to adopt this less is more philosophy, starting today.

What first step will you take to follow a less is more approach?

Share in the comments below!

Related Resources About Living With Less

• 10 Benefits of Minimalism To Improve Your Life
• 8 Easy Ways To Organize Your Home – Tips From a Minimalist
• How To Incorporate Minimalism Into All Areas Of Life
• 25 Ways To Simplify Your Life

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