Outer Order, Inner Calm Manifesto

Outer Order, Inner Calm manifesto displayed on iPad

One of my favorite exercises is to write a “Manifesto.” No matter what subject I study, I find it helpful to try to distill my ideas into succinct statements of the most important principles.

For instance, I’ve done a Happiness Manifesto, a Habits Manifesto, and a Podcast Manifesto.

It’s a fun, creative, and clarifying process.

So of course as I was writing my new book Outer Order, Inner Calm, I wanted to write an accompanying manifesto. As with all my manifestos, this one is aspirational—it’s not necessarily what I do, it’s what I try to do.

Agree, disagree? Did I miss anything important?

  • Outer order contributes to inner calm.
  • Without delay is the easiest way.
  • Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.
  • It’s easier to keep up than to catch up.
  • When in doubt, toss it out—or recycle it, or give it away.
  • Remind yourself: I have plenty of room for the things that are important to me.
  • If you can’t retrieve it, you won’t use it.
  • One of the worst uses of time is to do something well that need not be done at all.
  • Accept yourself, and expect more from yourself.
  • What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.
  • Creating outer order isn’t a matter of having less, or having more; it’s a matter of wanting what you have.
  • Things often get messier before they get tidier.
  • Store things at the store.
  • Little by little, you can get a lot accomplished.
  • Nothing is more exhausting than the task that is never started.
  • There’s no one “right” way to create and maintain order.
  • Clutter attracts clutter.
  • The days are long, but the years are short.


You can download this manifesto as a PDF here.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

DISCOVER MORE

Like what you see? Explore more about this topic.

Interested in happiness, habits, and human nature?

From renowned happiness expert and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, the “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter is one of today’s most popular newsletters. You’ll get a weekly round-up of what’s making Gretchen happy, as well as practical tips, research, and resources about how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

Subscribe to Gretchen’s newsletter.

Every Friday, Gretchen Rubin shares 5 things that are making her happier, asks readers and listeners questions, and includes exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes material.