INTRODUCTION: SIMPLY SPEAKING -- discusses the basic beliefs and philosophies behind living simply, explains what a C.H.O.I.C.E. really is, and takes a look at all the ways our society encourages the "hurry up" attitude...plus a day in the life of simplicity and 6 questions to ask yourself to see if a more simplified lifestyle would suit you

CHAPTER 1: IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES OF SIMPLICITY -- takes a look at the ways you know your life is out of balance, 13 danger signs that you are not focusing on the right things, and a detailed look at what simplicity really means for each person...plus an exercise to help you determine the areas in your life that need some calming down and cutting back

CHAPTER 2: TACKLING THE PHYSICAL SIDE -- examines the ways that stress and clutter can disrupt your life (relationships, physical health, mental well-being, and environment), teaches you to apply the "need vs. want" filter and "in / out" rule with your stuff, take a look at what an I.M.P.U.L.S.E. purchase really is, and outlines 25 specific steps you can take to reduce the clutter in your life...plus an exercise to help you determine a few "things" that you could let go of

CHAPTER 3: CONFRONTING THE EMOTIONAL SIDE -- discusses the emotional programming that causes us to clutter and complicate our lives, outlines the ways that logic can overcome the internal soundtrack in your head, offers two important questions to ask yourself to let go of the guilt, and offers 5 alternate ways to approach clutter when your old behavior patterns take over...plus an exercise to help you examine your subconscious reasons for keeping clutter

CHAPTER 4: THE POWER OF PAUSE -- explains why taking a moment to pause before acting or reacting is such a powerful tool, outlines 7 ways a pause can change your life, and explains what a P.A.U.S.E. really is...plus an exercise to help you recognize places in your life where you could improve your decision-making abilities with a pause

CHAPTER 5: TAKING INVENTORY -- asks the hard questions about the things you include in your life and why you are keeping it around (physical stuff, attitudes and emotional states, activities and responsibilities, and other miscellaneous clutter)...plus an exercise to help you determine how much value you get from each of these items and which you could easily eliminate from your life, clearing up some breathing space

CHAPTER 6: SEE IT, SAY IT, BELIEVE IT -- leads you through the process of visualizing your goals and making them happen, explains why you must have a vision and purpose to achieve simplicity, outlines how goals and tasks will do the work for you, and offers a sample goal plan to help you see how it works...plus an exercise to help you determine your vision, purpose, goals, and the steps to reach them for 10 areas of your life

CHAPTER 7: DEALING WITH PROCRASTINATION...NOW! -- explains 4 different reasons for procrastinating and the solutions for overcoming each...plus an exercise to help you determine where you procrastinate and why

CHAPTER 8: TAKE TIME TO MAKE TIME -- takes a look at our tendency to be distracted and not focus on the task at hand, how this reduces our efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of life, and how 9 specific time management techniques can eliminate this problem...plus an exercise to help you find places in your day where you could better use your time

CHAPTER 9: SO MANY CHOICES, NOT ENOUGH TIME -- examines our tendency toward perfectionism and the need to "do it all," the way that this can lead to focusing on unimportant tasks, and 100+ tips for making better choices (that lead to simplicity) in 12 key areas of your life...plus an exercise to help you determine where you could make better choices with your time

CHAPTER 10: SPEAKING SIMPLY -- summarizes 11 key points from the book, as a list of stepping stones to get you started on your way toward a simpler, more enjoyable life