Productivity,  Simplify

Minimal Is Not Simple

Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog.


Photo by Katie@!

Several people have commented to me in the past few weeks that because I prefer to simplify things, that must mean I am a minimalist. Nothing is further from the truth.

I simplify as much as necessary; but to simplify further would be to minimize. My aim is to make my life run as smoothly as possible, and in most cases that is not minimal.

Minimal

Minimal means having one or none of a given item. If something is not essential, it is removed. If there are duplicates, the extras are removed.

Simple

Simplicity, on the other hand, means having as many as you need. Like minimalism, if something is not essential, it is removed. However, extras are used when they are needed.

Why They Are Not The Same

The difference is in that last qualification. Minimal means having one; simplicity is having as many as you need, but no more.

This difference can best be seen by example.

Dishes

Some minimizing schemes that say that they are simplification recommend you have one plate, one bowl and one set of silverware for everyone in your family, but no more. Dishes get washed immediately after the meal or you won’t have what you need for the next meal.

To me, this is complication, not simplicity. It takes less water to run a full dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand, and it is more sanitary as well. I would rather have enough dishes to have guests as well.

Writing Instruments

Some of the supposed simplifiers recommend you have one pen and one pencil and carry it with you no matter where you are so you have it to use. While that may be practical if you always wear clothes with pockets, and you live alone.

To me it makes more sense to have writing implements where they are used. Put one by each phone so that your family doesn’t have the excuse that they couldn’t take a message because there was no pen.

And while women’s clothes are getting better, I would still say fully half of my clothing does not have functional pockets. (We won’t even talk about that issue right now).

Vacuum Cleaners

Another item that I have seen criticized is having multiple vacuum cleaners. Some people would say that one would be sufficient.

And it might be. However, in my house, hauling a vacuum cleaner upstairs and downstairs means that the vacuuming won’t get done. Having two vacuum cleaners would mean that I would vacuum both floors. (I don’t have two, and that’s why the upstairs doesn’t get vacuumed every week)

Other Examples

There are many other examples. Having multiple sets of sheets so one can be on the bed while the other is washed; or having cleaning supplies in every bathroom: or having phone chargers in multiple places in the house; or even having hand lotion in the kitchen and bathroom!

There might also be other things that you have that are not minimal that nevertheless simplify your life.

Even In Productivity

I take the same approach to productivity. I want to strip away the excess, but still make things as simple for me as possible.

Yes, I use two different task management software: one for my day-to-day, and one for someday/maybe tasks. To me that simplifies task management.

I use a paper planner to plan out my week, because it makes it simpler for me to balance my load.

Why I Prefer Simple Over Minimal

In general, I prefer simple over minimal. Yes, it is good to strip away the unneeded. But in the end, I want my life to be easy, rather than be a slave to a standard that makes my life more complicated.

After all, my goal is to get through the things I have to do so that I can get to the things I want to do. Why make that harder than necessary?

Reader Task

I have a small assignment for you. I want you to take a look at something that is difficult for you. Ask yourself if there is some way for you to simplify it, possibly by adding something, to make it it easier for you to do? If you want, leave a comment to share.


Photo by Katie@!. Licensed under Creative Commons.

5 Comments

  • Dottie

    Yes, I totally agree. I choose simplicity over minimalism all the time. Others thinks I’m excessive but I have chargers strategically placed around the house. I don’t like being confined to one area when I’m out of juice! I couldn’t keep up with them because I found myself constantly moving them around.

    • LJ Earnest

      Honestly, I don’t see the point of only having one – especially with chargers! I agree totally on having chargers where I need to use them. When I had one, I could never find it. When I have several (kitchen, office, bed, work bag) then I know I am good to go. I feel the same way about pens. I also was horrified when I heard one minimalist say he only owned two pairs of underwear…one to wear, one to wash. (shudder) I can’t imagine keeping up with that sort of laundry…or what happens if you don’t.

  • Danielle

    Nice post! I also use two different task management tools: http://casual.pm for my day-to-day tasks (helps manage projects as visual workflows) and special diary for my future tasks. They make me feel more confident and calm before deadlines in my work))

    • LJ Earnest

      I find I have to use my paper planner, because somehow it sinks in more if I physically hold a pen to write it. But keeping track of everything that is in limbo has to be electronic, or I can’t find it when I need it.