What Is a Simple Person? And How Do You Become One?

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Learn what it means to lead a simple life

Co-authored by Luke Smith, MFA Reviewed by Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA

Last Updated: September 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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What does it mean to be a simple person?

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Living a Simple Life

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Benefits of Being Simple

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In today’s hectic, mile-a-minute life, who doesn’t want to get back to basics? A simple person is someone who’s cut the distractions and complications out of their life, and is focused on being the best they can be to the people around them. We’ll tell you more about what a simple person is like, as well as offer tips from life coaches Michelle Shahbazyan and Guy Reichard on how to start your own simple lifestyle.

What is a simple person?

A simple person is someone who leads an uncomplicated life, and finds gratitude and contentment in the little things. They often have healthy routines, positive attitudes, strong social circles, minimal drama, and few possessions or luxuries.

Section 1 of 3:

What does it mean to be a simple person?

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A simple person is someone who’s happy with an uncomplicated life. When we say someone “leads a simple life,” we mean that they’re content with a straightforward routine, are easy-going and relaxed, and often generous or good-natured. They’re probably not caught up in drama, don’t want too much, and don’t let bad things or unfortunate events stop them from being happy. ^{[1]
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Research source} Here are common characteristics of simple people:
- They don’t usually have many possessions, or many valuable things. They live within their means while taking care of others.
- They’re earnest and genuine, and want to live as their true selves.
- They’re grateful for what they have, and kind to other people.
- They’re humble and approachable, and don’t seek fame or fortune. They’re also often minimalistic.
- They’re thoughtful and careful about their words and actions.
- They tend to avoid drama and conflict, and seek to fix conflict wherever they can.
- They’re relaxed, low-stress, and live in the moment, with a clear purpose in life.
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On the other hand, “simple” is sometimes used as an insult to mean stupid. People sometimes describe others as “simple-minded,” meaning they don’t have complex thoughts and may struggle to use and understand reason or logic. It’s an old-fashioned meaning for "unintelligent" that isn’t super common today, and has nothing to do with living a simple life. ^{[2]
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Research source}
- Example: “I’m starting to think Jack is simple. He couldn’t figure out how to work the can opener.”
- Example: “Can you use smaller words? I’m a bit simple.”

Section 2 of 3:

How to Live a Simple Life

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1
Find a healthy, productive daily routine to form good habits. A steady daily routine is key to keeping your life simple and free of distractions. Shahbazyan says to figure out what your “ultimate goal” in life is, then organize your life around that goal. If you want to be a writer, make writing a daily activity. If you want to spend more time outdoors, make it a point to leave the house every day.
- Also, organize your day into a consistent and repeatable schedule, but with room for variety. Maybe you start each day with a walk and a shower, then have a couple of hours of free time for hobbies before going to work.
- Research suggests that to form a reliable habit, you should practice something every day for 2-3 months. Then, it becomes like second nature. ^{[3]
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  Research source}
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Think positively, and make the most of hard situations. Life can seem overwhelmingly complicated when you’re only focused on the problems. To think more positively , Shahbazyan recommends writing a list of your troubles. No matter how many you have, she says, there’s only a finite number, and you can tackle them one by one to whittle them down.
- Also, try to find the upside of each of your problems. For example, if your car breaks down, take it as a learning opportunity to get more familiar with mechanics, so you can better solve the problem if it happens again later.
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Practice gratitude and count your blessings. Simple people know how good they have it, even if their lives may not look particularly shiny to other people. But acknowledging the good things in your life, however small, makes you happier to have them, and keeps you from wanting unnecessary things that complicate your life. Practice gratitude by listing 3 things you’re grateful for each day, and striving to make them different each day. ^{[4]
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Research source}
- Start a gratitude journal to keep your gratitude lists. Or, talk to a friend and family member about what you’re both grateful for. Sharing your joy is the easiest way to multiply it!
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Explore your own beliefs and convictions. Simple people know what they’re about. They talk the talk and walk the walk. If you don’t know your own values, you make unpredictable and inconsistent decisions that complicate your life. Reichard says to think back on your best days, when you’ve felt happiest, and ask yourself what made those days good. Then, strive to work and fight for the things that made that day possible.
- For example, if your best day was one you spent hiking in the wilderness, you might decide that conservation and wilderness preservation are some of the core things you believe in.
- Reichard also says to keep an open mind, and be willing to question or even abandon values that don’t help you.
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Reduce your screen time, and spend more time in the real world. Social media lets us see the lives of countless other people we normally wouldn’t even know about. One way to cut down on noise in your life—and cut down on stress—is to get off social media however possible. ^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends
Go to source} At the very least, limit your scrolling time to just 30-60 minutes a day.
- Getting off social media doesn’t mean you have to stop caring about other people and their troubles. Make your concerns more local by getting involved in efforts in your city to help neighbors, like volunteering for a food bank or local activist organizations.
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Cut down on your physical possessions. Sometimes, clutter and unwanted objects add noise to your life, and over time that noise can get stressful. Think about the things that make you happy, make your life easier, or which you use frequently. Then, think about the things you have that aren’t on that list, and consider donating them, giving them away, or trashing them. ^{[6]
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Research source}
- You don’t have to go full minimalism or get rid of all your favorite things! Some people even love clutter. The trick is keeping only what serves you, which can be many things.
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Spend time with loved ones, and give people the benefit of the doubt. Enjoying your relationships with friends, family, and even strangers is a great way to increase your happiness and appreciation for your own life. ^{[7]
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Research source} The key, though, is to treat people well and always make kindness a priority . Otherwise, you could fall into drama that complicates your life.
- Keep in mind that navigating relationships is always a little complicated. But we need relationships—humans are social creatures!
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Exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy. A healthy body helps you live the life you want without being stopped by medical complications or physical limits. Get outside and aim to get at least 2-3 hours of moderate exercise each week. ^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or get involved in club sports to stay active.
- Eating healthy is also essential. Incorporate grains, proteins, veggies, fruits, and fats into your daily meals.
- Shahbazyan says that stress and anxiety can affect your body, but soothing your body with exercise can also soothe your mind.

Section 3 of 3:

Benefits of Being a Simple Person

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Experts say that people who do activities that are a part of a simple lifestyle, like meditation and mindfulness, socialization, and reducing life distractions, have much less stress and anxiety in the long run. ^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source} If you’re a naturally anxious person, striving for a simple life can bring you more peace and calm.
Simple, happy people often have a strong sense of direction and purpose, which in turn leads to greater satisfaction in life. ^{[10]
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Research source} If you feel like you’re lacking purpose or don’t know what you’re doing, simplifying your life can help remind you of what’s important to you, and where to focus your energy.
Many traits of simple people overlap with those of happy people. Both practice gratitude, have good social relationships, and feel a greater sense of achievement. ^{[11]
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Research source} Leading a simple lifestyle is a great way to give your daily routine a burst of joy.

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Why am I not able to change myself into simple person?

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You won't change overnight. Focus on making small changes each day, and be patient with yourself as you adapt and change your life. If you stay committed, you'll get there!

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Does a simple person need to study hard or not?

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You should still study. Learning new things and becoming smart is important for everyone, regardless of whether you are trying to be a simple person.

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How important is a good sense of humor?

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A good sense of humor can help you get through life much more positively!

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What Is a Simple Person? And How Do You Become One?

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