Why is it difficult for modern people to live simply? We face numerous choices, struggle with multitasking, and lead complex daily lives. But does this lifestyle really make us happy?
Complexity Created by the Paradox of Choice
Modern society demands too many choices from us. There are countless consumer options and life paths. This freedom of choice paradoxically creates stress. Whether it’s choosing a product or deciding on a career, it’s never easy.
Known as the ‘paradox of choice,’ this phenomenon suggests that more options lead to decreased happiness. It’s hard to be sure we’ve made the best choice among many alternatives. We also regret what we didn’t choose, leading to greater anxiety.
We are beings with limited cognitive resources. Endless choices deplete this precious energy. We live each day with limited energy. Carefully comparing and analyzing every option consumes a lot of time and mental strength. This becomes a significant obstacle to pursuing simplicity.
The first step toward a simple life begins at the crossroads of choices. We need wisdom to discern the right choices before us. Reducing options from the start can also help. Focus time and energy on what truly matters in life. Some call this a minimalist lifestyle. It may be uncomfortable and awkward at first, but remember, this path is the way to escape complexity and find the joy of simplicity.
The Trap of Multitasking for Modern People
Another habit of modern people, ‘multitasking,’ also hinders a simple life. At some point, we began to believe that handling multiple tasks simultaneously is a skill. We check emails while looking at our smartphones and do simple tasks while watching movies.
Neuroscience says multitasking is virtually impossible. More precisely, it’s very difficult to pay attention to more than one task at the same time. Our brain is designed to focus on one thing at a time.
Multitasking increases task-switching costs and energy consumption. Studies show it takes 15-40% more time than focusing on a single task. We end up not completing tasks on time and compromising quality.
This isn’t just about work efficiency. Using maximum cognitive resources confuses the brain. This leads to the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic fatigue sets in, making us feel lethargic.
Above all, a brain accustomed to multitasking finds it hard to concentrate on one thing for long. Deep thinking becomes impossible, and creativity decreases. Ultimately, this reduces the quality of life. While it may increase momentary processing power, overall life becomes more complicated.
Of course, there are moments when multitasking is necessary. Sometimes work requires handling multiple tasks simultaneously. But at least in daily life, we need to practice single-tasking. Focus entirely on one thing at a time and dedicate moments to it. Start with small tasks and gradually increase immersion time. In this, we can experience the taste of a simple yet deep life.
Confusion Created by Information Overload
In today’s world of information overload, it’s even harder to maintain simplicity. The internet has deeply penetrated daily life, flooding us with all sorts of content. Social media, YouTube, and podcasts add to the variety of media. In as little as five minutes, we can easily gain entertainment and knowledge.
The problem is that this flood of information eats away at our concentration. Some information seems valuable, while some doesn’t. Sorting through this consumes a lot of energy. We end up accumulating superficial and fragmented knowledge.
Various media provide instant gratification and stimulation. Dopamine, the brain’s reward circuit, is released. This makes us increasingly dependent on information content. In such an ‘information addiction’ state, deep thinking and immersion become difficult.
Most information is not immediately necessary. Watching the news or staying sensitive to trends only fuels anxiety. We feel rushed to catch up with what others know. This is the dilemma of modern people who know too much and practice too little.
In this situation, it isn’t easy to filter out what’s truly important. Stimulating and shallow content catches our eye more than content that deepens our inner self. We struggle in an environment where filtering information is difficult. It’s hard to discern what to accept and what to ignore.
Ultimately, to maintain simplicity amidst information overload, we need to cut through it. We must boldly cut off unnecessary media temptations. It’s time to wisely select only the information we truly need. Instead of trying to know and catch up with everything, deeply knowing and practicing one thing. Such simple yet clear standards will help us not drift in the sea of information.
Media fasting can help to momentarily escape the flood of information. It allows time to listen more to our inner voice.
Conclusion: The Courage to Live Simply
Paradox of choice, trap of multitasking, confusion of information overload. These are the portraits of us who have lost simplicity in a complex modern society. Surrounded by endless choices and stimulating content, maintaining a simple life is never easy.
To regain control of our lives, efforts towards simplicity are necessary. Boldly reduce unnecessary choices, focus on one thing at a time, and escape the flood of stimulating information. Spend time quietly listening to inner values.
These small practices can eventually lead us to a simpler and deeper life. Perhaps simplicity is not a technique but a belief and attitude. It’s about focusing on what’s precious and feeling true joy in it.
Choosing simple values in a complex world takes courage. Let’s join the simple journey from today. Rather than trying to do everything, focus on what’s truly important in life. This will ultimately lead us to a simple yet abundant life. What is your choice?