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A few months ago, I turned down a lucrative publishing deal from a giant audiobook publisher. Not because I didn’t believe in the project—but because I did.
I wanted Very, Very Simple: 12 Tools for a Simpler Life to be immediately useful, frictionless, and free for the people who already support my work.
That audiobook is out now—and I’m making it free for a limited time on Patreon (you just need a free account). You can also download the free ebook if you prefer to read.
Very, Very Simple is a clear, compassionate guide to living with less—and finally feeling better about what you own. (T.K. Coleman recorded the audiobook with me; his wisdom may be the best part.)
When I wrote the book for the publisher, I included 12 practical tools—flexible rules, not rigid dogma—designed to help you decide what’s no longer acceptable in your life and let it go.
After I declined the publisher’s offer—because I believed their terms would limit the reach of this project—I decided to release the audiobook myself. And I added one more tool.
I call it the Wednesday Rule.
It’s the rule I’ve been using more than any other lately—because it helps me make better decisions now.
I apply it to purchases, health, relationships, finances, commitments, and material clutter. And fittingly, it’s very, very simple.
Here’s how it works…
Before you make a decision, simply ask yourself one question:
Will I be delighted with this decision next Wednesday?
It’s that simple.
Next Wednesday, when I’m looking back on my decision:
- Will my future self be happy that I bought those pants?
- Will my future self be satisfied that I ate those potato chips?
- Will my future self be glad I got frustrated with my daughter?
- Will my future self be excited by that meeting I scheduled?
- Will my future self be thrilled that he didn’t clean out the junk drawer?
- Will my future self be grateful he wasted that money on a lottery ticket?
If the answer is yes, then it’s probably a good decision:
- Yes, I’m relieved I purchased this new dress shirt for my job interview.
- Yes, I’m thankful I ordered the smoothie instead of the milkshake.
- Yes, I’m pleased I acknowledged my coworker’s achievement.
- Yes, I’m overjoyed I scheduled a coffee date with my best friend.
- Yes, I’m pleased and Punch that I cleared out that storage locker.
- Yes, I’m grateful I invested my extra $100 in index funds.
However, if the answer is No, I will not be delighted by this decision, then the decision is already made for you:
When in doubt, opt out.
I like to think of it as “letting go in advance.”
Very, Very Simple isn’t about owning fewer things for the sake of minimalism. It’s about removing the excess that’s keeping you overwhelmed. Download it for free as an ebook or audiobook.
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