How to Fight Entropy and Simplify Your Life

One great article I read a while ago is "Entropy: Why Life Always Seems to Get More Complicated" by James Clear.

Entropy is a fundamental concept that explains why everything in our lives becomes more complicated over time. It is the natural tendency for things to lose order and become less structured. Disorder always increases, and nothing escapes the Second Law of Thermodynamics. However, we can fight back against entropy and create stability, structure, and simplicity in our lives. Based on the article, here are some strategies to fight back against entropy.

Set Goals and Work Towards Them

To create order, we must exert effort and energy. It is not enough to simply hope that things will work themselves out. We must take action and design our ideal lifestyle. One way to do this is by setting goals and working towards them. This could be anything from creating a cleaning schedule to learning a new skill. By setting goals, we give ourselves a sense of purpose and direction. We know what we want to achieve, and we can work towards it in a structured and organized way.

Eliminate Unnecessary Complexity

We often make things more complicated than they need to be, which only adds to our stress levels. By simplifying our lives, we can reduce our anxiety and focus on what is truly important. This could mean decluttering our homes, reducing our workload, or streamlining our daily routines. We can also simplify our relationships by focusing on the people who matter most to us and cutting ties with toxic or draining individuals.

Continually Evolve

Creating order in our lives is an ongoing process. We can't simply achieve order and then stop working towards it. We must continually adapt our strategies to maintain the order we have created. This means being flexible and open to change. We should be willing to let go of old habits and patterns that no longer serve us and embrace new ones that bring us closer to our goals.

Find Beauty in Order

Entropy offers a good explanation for why art and beauty are so aesthetically pleasing. Artists create a form of order and symmetry that, odds are, the universe would never generate on its own. By finding beauty in order, we can cultivate a sense of appreciation and gratitude for the structures we have created in our own lives. We can find joy in the simple things, like a clean and organized home or a well-managed schedule.

Embrace the Challenge

Creating order in a world that is constantly changing and evolving is not easy. It requires effort, energy, and a willingness to simplify our lives. However, the challenge is what makes it worthwhile. By embracing the challenge, we can develop resilience, grit, and determination. We can learn to thrive in chaotic environments and find order in the midst of disorder.

If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you take the time and go through it. I hope you find it as insightful as I did.