Downshifting Basics

If you’re interested in downshifting, here are some strategies to get you started:

1. Soul Searching. The first step in simplifying is self-reflection. Take out pen and paper and ask yourself the following questions:

• What matters most to me?

• When do I feel most at peace?

• What brings me the most fulfillment?

• How do I define “success?”

• If I knew I had only six months to live, how would I spend my time?

• And some very philosophical queries: What do I think our purpose is here on earth? Why are we here? What are people for?

The answers to these questions will reveal your most precious beliefs and values.

Soul searchers can also turn to the truegoods.com Web site, sponsored by Seeds of Simplicity. Presented with a list of values, visitors select those that are most important to them, adding them to their “shopping cart.” The site then provides a printable “life meaning statement” based on those values.