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Simple Ways to be More with less
If you have imagined a life with less, reading this book is a great way to get started. Most of us have lived our adult lives working more, to make more, to spend more, to have more. We haven’t done it maliciously, but out of habit.
Our parents wanted better for us and we want better for our children, but somewhere along the way we forgot what better was.
These 27 ideas will help you be more with less. They are simple for the most part, but sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference. As you go through this process, you will subtract things from your life, and add other things (which aren’t really “things”) back in.
Living with less sometimes means adding more in the way of healthy habits to your lifestyle. You don’t have to do everything in the order that they appear. You don’t have to do all of them or any of them. Pick and choose the suggestions that work for you. Implement these ideas to create your life on purpose.
Our parents wanted better for us and we want better for our children, but somewhere along the way we forgot what better was.
These 27 ideas will help you be more with less. They are simple for the most part, but sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference. As you go through this process, you will subtract things from your life, and add other things (which aren’t really “things”) back in.
Living with less sometimes means adding more in the way of healthy habits to your lifestyle. You don’t have to do everything in the order that they appear. You don’t have to do all of them or any of them. Pick and choose the suggestions that work for you. Implement these ideas to create your life on purpose.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2011
216 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Carver
13 books360 followersCourtney Carver writes things. She wrote a book called Soulful Simplicity and the simplicity blog, bemorewithless.com. She shares things that make her laugh and cry on Instagram (@bemorewithless). She doesn't know her Myers Briggs Type but she knows she's an introvert because she needs to be free from humans several times a day (cats and dogs are always welcome). Aside from her seasonal wardrobe, she doesn't count her things.
Carver doesn't have an impressive degree, awards, or a big, fancy home full of stuff. Instead, she selectively surrounds herself with her favorite things and people she loves. She does work she truly cares about, goes on adventures (in the world or in her own backyard) and likes chai lattes with almond milk while reading or writing.
Her new book, Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More will help you create a capsule wardrobe and a beautiful life.
Carver doesn't have an impressive degree, awards, or a big, fancy home full of stuff. Instead, she selectively surrounds herself with her favorite things and people she loves. She does work she truly cares about, goes on adventures (in the world or in her own backyard) and likes chai lattes with almond milk while reading or writing.
Her new book, Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More will help you create a capsule wardrobe and a beautiful life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 10, 2012
I liked this book about making life more simple.Well writen and interesting it had some very good points that I will try to remember. I highlighted some quotes....
"Shift your energy
from being right to being quiet
from being annoyed to being grateful
from being angry to being joyful
from being rushed to taking time
from eye roll to hug
from scowl to smile"
And one of the best things the book said.
" We wear the Im so busy and overworked badge like its a gold medal. Somehow we got confused and started thinking that always being busy is inpressive. Little did we know that being busy doesnt mean shit."
After the "Busy" season we just got through wouldnt it be nice to slow down and live some?
"Shift your energy
from being right to being quiet
from being annoyed to being grateful
from being angry to being joyful
from being rushed to taking time
from eye roll to hug
from scowl to smile"
And one of the best things the book said.
" We wear the Im so busy and overworked badge like its a gold medal. Somehow we got confused and started thinking that always being busy is inpressive. Little did we know that being busy doesnt mean shit."
After the "Busy" season we just got through wouldnt it be nice to slow down and live some?
February 5, 2020
I definitely recommend this book if you are starting your journey to minimalism in your life depending on your perspective of minimalism. For me, I was bit passed the book in terms of my journey. There were lots of things I've already been practicing, especially since I follow Courtney's blog and went to hear her speak. I just never read this book. Shame on me.
What I wasn't expecting in this book happened to be the tidbits from other people in their journey. They had other perspectives to minimalism I never thought of like trying to do something, but also limiting your choices so that you can start. Quit letting yourself be distracted. There are too many times when I'm reading and I hear my phone. I stop reading, check the text, and then try to figure out where I am on the page when I return to my book. I have now waited until I reach the end of the page, but why can't I wait until I finish reading for that period of time? I also loved the recipes and links to other websites, bloggers, books, etc. on things to make you get to a point of simple life, happy life whatever that means to you. Although, I'm still working on cutting the cable. That is just too much for me right now. But I may try the idea of not driving the car for a week to see what that is like. I would like to maybe make my way to a one car household.
My favorite quote and section was by Jonathan Mead, "If anything then, following your dreams is about embracing that initial discomfort, stepping out into the unknown without knowing if your foot will land on solid ground. the good news is that it does land. But you can't take my word for it, you have to walk the path for yourself and find out. No one else can do it for you."
What I wasn't expecting in this book happened to be the tidbits from other people in their journey. They had other perspectives to minimalism I never thought of like trying to do something, but also limiting your choices so that you can start. Quit letting yourself be distracted. There are too many times when I'm reading and I hear my phone. I stop reading, check the text, and then try to figure out where I am on the page when I return to my book. I have now waited until I reach the end of the page, but why can't I wait until I finish reading for that period of time? I also loved the recipes and links to other websites, bloggers, books, etc. on things to make you get to a point of simple life, happy life whatever that means to you. Although, I'm still working on cutting the cable. That is just too much for me right now. But I may try the idea of not driving the car for a week to see what that is like. I would like to maybe make my way to a one car household.
My favorite quote and section was by Jonathan Mead, "If anything then, following your dreams is about embracing that initial discomfort, stepping out into the unknown without knowing if your foot will land on solid ground. the good news is that it does land. But you can't take my word for it, you have to walk the path for yourself and find out. No one else can do it for you."
July 3, 2017
Nothing new to me....tho I enjoy reading about others like me...heheheh. Things just aren't so important anymore....
September 30, 2014
Simple Ways to be more with Less is a short (e-)book about minimalism. In this book, the "author" asked several other authors to write about what they think we should do more and less. Honestly, ms. Carver is more an editor than an actual writer, since I don't remember she wrote more than the preface and some words afterwards.
The ideas and tips that are presented in this book are actually quite nice to read. Perhaps you can find some inspiration in there. However, if you are a regular reader of minimalism blogs, you probably won't find anything new and the four dollar price tag would be a waste of money.
The ideas and tips that are presented in this book are actually quite nice to read. Perhaps you can find some inspiration in there. However, if you are a regular reader of minimalism blogs, you probably won't find anything new and the four dollar price tag would be a waste of money.
December 31, 2013
Cheery collection of perspectives on enjoying a simpler life.
May 13, 2025
2.5 stars!
I suddenly remembered that I have had this in my Kindle libray for many years. I must have read it before (I had several highlights), but I didn't remember anything from it. So, I decided to read again tonight. It is a very quick read. I believe it took me just under 2 hours to read it through tonight. I was not terribly impressed. There were several good ideas, but not every idea is for everyone. It felt like an instruction guide... do this... don't do that... do this... etc... It felt like a collection of short essays on the subject rather than a worthwhile read imho.
It was just an ok read for me.
I suddenly remembered that I have had this in my Kindle libray for many years. I must have read it before (I had several highlights), but I didn't remember anything from it. So, I decided to read again tonight. It is a very quick read. I believe it took me just under 2 hours to read it through tonight. I was not terribly impressed. There were several good ideas, but not every idea is for everyone. It felt like an instruction guide... do this... don't do that... do this... etc... It felt like a collection of short essays on the subject rather than a worthwhile read imho.
It was just an ok read for me.
April 3, 2020
PT: Não achei o livro particularmente interessante, visto que as 27 ideias sugeridas são demasiado óbvias, e algumas delas já não são novidade para mim. No entanto para quem se interessa como eu, em levar uma vida mais simples, pode sempre ler este pequeno livro, que serve como introdução ao tema.
EN: I didn't find the book particularly interesting, as the 27 ideas suggested are too obvious, and some of them are no longer new to me. However, for those interested in a simpler life, can always read this little book, which serves as an introduction to the topic.
EN: I didn't find the book particularly interesting, as the 27 ideas suggested are too obvious, and some of them are no longer new to me. However, for those interested in a simpler life, can always read this little book, which serves as an introduction to the topic.
August 19, 2020
Simplicity simplified
Each author brings a unique perspective on what part of their formula might help the reader find contentment. And although not all will work for each of us in this specific moment in time, each has a valuable lesson to share. Truly putting even a few of these lessons into practice would inevitably yield a more content, naturally satisfied person if done with attention and clarity. Good stuff, especially during these turbulent times!
Each author brings a unique perspective on what part of their formula might help the reader find contentment. And although not all will work for each of us in this specific moment in time, each has a valuable lesson to share. Truly putting even a few of these lessons into practice would inevitably yield a more content, naturally satisfied person if done with attention and clarity. Good stuff, especially during these turbulent times!
November 18, 2018
Please note: I follow the Goodreads rating descriptions. This one gets two stars because of just that: it was ok.
The suggestions contained within are not bad ones, probably things you've heard before, but nothing earthshattering. I read it on the bus over the course of a few days, so it's not a difficult read.
The suggestions contained within are not bad ones, probably things you've heard before, but nothing earthshattering. I read it on the bus over the course of a few days, so it's not a difficult read.
June 21, 2021
Nice quick read. Nice ideas to implement into your life.
One is to simply your environment. Another is to take inventory of what is important to you. Lastly think about your purpose in life.
One is to simply your environment. Another is to take inventory of what is important to you. Lastly think about your purpose in life.
November 14, 2017
Short and simple notes anyone should consider in their life. Good presentation to get people interested in Minimalism.
January 11, 2018
The book gives a guideline on some of the most important things that a person should focus on . Good for a first timer reader. Expected more advanced approach.
July 11, 2020
A nice quick read about some essentials
This was a really brief book but filled with so many nuggets of truth. I especially enjoyed Leo Babouta's chapter. Get stuff.
This was a really brief book but filled with so many nuggets of truth. I especially enjoyed Leo Babouta's chapter. Get stuff.
January 11, 2021
Made me think
I enjoyed this book, different authors having a chapter each also strengthened the message. The ideas are simple so easy to achieve.
I enjoyed this book, different authors having a chapter each also strengthened the message. The ideas are simple so easy to achieve.
February 15, 2022
loved this too short book
I really enjoy this compilation of thoughts from Courtney Carver and experts in minimalism and living in intentional life. I just wish it was longer!
I really enjoy this compilation of thoughts from Courtney Carver and experts in minimalism and living in intentional life. I just wish it was longer!
April 16, 2022
Contains an abundance of references to valuable primary source material
November 18, 2022
Buen manual
Es meramente un manual de llevar la vida simple. Creo que los principios de la autora establece la hermoso de la simplicidad sin caer en explicaciones profundas.
Es meramente un manual de llevar la vida simple. Creo que los principios de la autora establece la hermoso de la simplicidad sin caer en explicaciones profundas.
December 21, 2022
3.5 Stars
December 27, 2022
Life Changing
Teaches you to thoughtfuly review what matters to you and tells you how to achieve it in simpe, straightforward ways.
Teaches you to thoughtfuly review what matters to you and tells you how to achieve it in simpe, straightforward ways.
June 30, 2024
I liked it..
It was short and sweet. A good reminder of what to do to make the changes in your life that you want to see.
It was short and sweet. A good reminder of what to do to make the changes in your life that you want to see.
July 13, 2025
Short, easy-to-read, sensible book.
March 21, 2015
Quick and brief reminders on how to be content with less
I've learned in the last few years that less is more and less is peaceful- this book reinforces those concepts and gives several other resources to go to in case you want more information. It really is more of a compilation though as most if not all of the tips are from contributors. It could also stand a bit more editing, but that's the teacher in me being picky!
I've learned in the last few years that less is more and less is peaceful- this book reinforces those concepts and gives several other resources to go to in case you want more information. It really is more of a compilation though as most if not all of the tips are from contributors. It could also stand a bit more editing, but that's the teacher in me being picky!
July 16, 2015
Very practical and life changing if implemented
This is a book I wished I had read earlier. It's life advice, if implement, can make your life much much better in all ways. Though I already practice a lot of what the book tells, it's good for anyone wanting more focus and simplicity in their lives.
This is a book I wished I had read earlier. It's life advice, if implement, can make your life much much better in all ways. Though I already practice a lot of what the book tells, it's good for anyone wanting more focus and simplicity in their lives.
August 8, 2022
This was a short, valuable read with some really good ideas. Lifestyle switches are suggested like destination-less walking, spending less time with technology, having genuine connections, seeking balance, etc. I resonated with many of the chapters, the words on gratitude struck a chord with me and how restrictions can encourage creativity.
August 12, 2013
Short, sweet and filled with a variety of tips from a selection of authors. Some suggestions were common-sense, others were pleasant surprises. This was the first book I read towards the road of (possible) minimalism.
January 18, 2015
Fast, simple, concise read. I have probably read all these tips elsewhere, but it was still a nice review of great reminders to lead a happier, healthier, more simple life. Glad it was a free read from Amazon though.
October 2, 2014
This book was okay, but so similar to the blog that I felt like it wasn't worth the time to finish it. If you have not read the blog a LOT (like I have), you may be very blessed by this book.
October 3, 2014
Quick read.
Good stuff.
Liked it - didn't love it.
Good stuff.
Liked it - didn't love it.
October 20, 2014
Short sensible read.
May 20, 2015
Nice, affirming reading, with some good ideas. I felt that some of the ideas could have used more specificity to help people implement them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews