We live in the age of the upgrade, the subscription, and the infinite scroll. Our apps constantly demand updates, our gadgets promise a smarter future, and our to-do lists are digital monuments to our own busyness. In this whirlwind of complexity, a quiet but powerful rebellion is brewing. It doesn’t require a protest sign or a viral hashtag. It requires a different mindset entirely. It requires simpcitu.
Simpcitu (a portmanteau of “simple” and “simplicity”) is more than just a trend; it’s a philosophy and a deliberate practice. It’s the conscious pursuit of removing the non-essential—be it physical clutter, digital distractions, or mental baggage—to make space for what truly matters. It’s not about living with less for the sake of austerity, but about living with enough for the sake of clarity, purpose, and joy.
Beyond Minimalism: The “Why” of Simpcitu
While often compared to minimalism, simpcitu distinguishes itself by focusing on the why rather than just the what. Minimalism can sometimes feel like an aesthetic—a stark, white room with a single piece of furniture. Simpcitu, on the other hand, is the feeling of relief you get when you clear out a crammed closet. It’s the practical application of simplicity to reduce stress and increase freedom.
The driving force behind simpcitu is overwhelm. Our brains are not designed to process the constant barrage of notifications, options, and information we face daily. This cognitive overload leads to decision fatigue, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of being “busy” without being productive. Simpcitu is the antidote. It’s the decision to:
- Curate your digital life: Unsubscribing from emails you never read, turning off non-essential notifications, and having a “one screen at a time” rule.
- Embrace essentialism in your choices: Asking “Does this add real value to my life?” before buying a new product, committing to a new project, or even adding a new ingredient to a recipe.
- Reduce mental clutter: Practicing mindfulness to let go of unhelpful thoughts, or implementing a “worry jar” to park anxieties and address them at a designated time.
The Three Pillars of a Simplicitous Life
Adopting simpcitu isn’t about a single grand gesture. It’s built on small, consistent practices across key areas of your life.
1. Digital Simpcitu:
Our devices are the biggest source of modern complexity. Digital simpcitu involves a digital detox of sorts, but not necessarily a complete disconnection. It means:
- Decluttering your interface: Keeping only the most essential apps on your home screen.
- Setting boundaries: Allocating specific times to check email and social media rather than being constantly on-call.
- Favoring single-tasking: Closing all tabs except the one you’re working on to foster deep focus.
2. Physical Simpcitu:
This is the most tangible form of simpcitu. A cluttered environment often reflects a cluttered mind. Physical simpcitu champions:
- The “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item brought into your home, one must leave. This prevents silent accumulation.
- Quality over quantity: Choosing to own fewer, but better-made, items that you truly love and that will last.
- Creating clear spaces: Maintaining a clear kitchen counter, a made bed, or an empty sink. These small oases of order have a surprisingly large impact on mental calm.
3. Mental Simpcitu:
This is the ultimate goal. By simplifying our external world, we create the conditions for a simpler internal world. Mental simpcitu is practiced through:
- Saying “No” gracefully: Protecting your time and energy by declining requests that don’t align with your priorities.
- Establishing routines: Automating small decisions (like what to wear or eat for breakfast) to preserve mental energy for more important tasks.
- Practicing gratitude: Focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, is the simplest way to cultivate contentment.
The Gift of Missing Out
At its heart, simpcitu requires embracing the “Gift of Missing Out.” In a culture that glorifies FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), simpcitu finds power in JOMO (the Joy Of Missing Out). It’s the joy of a free Saturday with no plans, the pleasure of a phone left in another room during dinner, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can’t—and don’t need to—keep up with everything.
Harry