SMART Living 365

Ideas to create a more happy, peaceful and rewarding life--365!

  • Sustainable
  • Meaningful
  • Aware
  • Rightsized
  • Thankful

Why Rightsizing Works For Anyone At Any Age And Any Location

By Kathy Gottberg
Filed under: Rightsized, Sustainable

Rightsizing SMART Living 365This last week Thom and I led a discussion group about Rightsizing. It is something we’ve wanted to do ever since writing about it here on the blog during the last four or five years, and then after publishing the book, Rightsizing—A SMART Living 365 guide to Reinventing Retirement last year. Because we are so passionate about the topic, it was great to gather with others who are either curious or equally excited about the benefits.   And as we suspected, the topic is so rich that no matter where any of us are on the path, each of us can learn something from every other person’s example. It boils down to the simple fact that quality always tops quantity.

In case this is the first time you’ve heard about Rightsizing, let me provide a definition.   One of the benefits of having two of us leading the discussion was how my husband Thom and I can offer connected, but different ways of explaining the experience. For me, Rightsizing is the opportunity to create a lifestyle that focuses on those things that are most important to me. Contrary to the idea of downsizing with its implication of sacrifice, Rightsizing points me in the right direction toward everything I believe matters in life. By letting go those things in life that drag me down or hold me back, and instead focusing on those elements that bring me the most joy, contentment, and personal confidence, my life has been positively transformed.Rightsizing * A SMART Living Guide To Reinventing Retirement

On the other hand, Thom tends to focus on the freedom, peace-of-mind and financial comfort of the lifestyle. While both of our definitions overlap, we demonstrated during our discussion that one of the values of Rightsizing is that it encourages individual choices and allows each of us to uniquely design a lifestyle that works for our individual personalities and circumstances. Of course, it was also revealed that it helps tremendously to be on the same side as others in our household.

Knowing that there would be people attending with little or no background as well as those who have read the book and already started, I came up with five major categories of Rightsizing to discuss.   Taking it even further,  I included questions to start the conversation moving in a way that all of us might find helpful to explore.

 

Five Big Areas Of Your Life That Will Benefit From Rightsizing

  1. Your home and where you live.
  • Have you ever taken the time to figure out how much of a home you really need?
  • Are you completely honest with yourself about what it REALLY costs to live where you live? Carefully consider the utilities, taxes, insurance, home repair, furniture, luxuries (pool)
  • Is the trade-off of what you deem important worth the cost to you in terms of money, time and energy?
  • Do you believe it is possible for you to own a home free and clear?
  • Do you realize that it is sometimes better to rent than to buy?

 

  1. Your finances and how you spend money
  • Are you currently working to eliminate any and all debt as quickly as you are able?  Can you even understand how good that will make you feel?
  • Do you live below your means? If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it!
  • Do you sometimes “reward” yourself by shopping or spending money? Maybe it’s time to find other ways to celebrate and enjoy your life that don’t cost as much.
  • Do you ever sacrifice your own financial wellbeing to bail someone else out (no matter how close they are to you)?

 

  1. Your possessions and the things you own
  • Do you buy things you can’t really afford or don’t need, to impress other people?
  • Do you ever spend money trying to “be someone else” rather than spending your money to be the best “you” that you can be?
  • Do you find yourself getting sucked into the latest fad (whatever it might be) and spending a lot of money telling yourself you “need” it and it’s “good for you”, especially if it is related to something in the health, anti-aging or spiritual realm? Realize that is just another form of conspicuous consumption.
  • Do you closely identify with the things you own?  In other words, do you think you are your house, your car, your hairstyle?  It is SMART to remember are true Self is much more than the stuff we own.

 

  1. Your work and/or your daily activities
  • Do you enjoy your work? Why not? Is there another way you can work?
  • Are you so busy doing things for others that you neglect yourself? Why?
  • Are your days filled with activities that you think you “should” or “have” to do?
  • Do you go to work “just for the money?”  Never trade your precious time just for money.
  • Do you recognize that most of life is a trade-off when it comes to the things we can accomplish and create? So even if we can’t do or have everything we want, we can choose those things that are closest to our heart.

 

  1. The clutter and “stuff” that you don’t really need to be happy and have a meaningful life
  • Do you realize that everything you own, owns you to a certain extent? In other words, everything you own requires care and maintenance so unless you want that ongoing job, let your stuff go.
  • Do you actually use the things you own, or did you just buy them and now feel too guilty to get rid of them, and don’t want to think of yourself as “wasteful?”
  • Do you hang on to things for others (kids, siblings, friends) even though it is taking up space in your home?
  • Do you keep clutter and stuff just in case you might need it 2 years from now?

 

As you might have guessed we barely made it through the first category during our hour-long discussion. Everyone there had personal examples of what worked for them or what they struggled to figure out.   Of course, it doesn’t really matter where you are on the path as long as you get started. Fortunately Rightsizing is a process where the biggest steps are recognizing the value and then just getting started.

With that said, we left the group with Ten Tips or reminders to keep us focused and encouraged. They are:

 

Ten Rightsizing Tips we can all use:

  • Hang out with people who value you as a friend for who you are—not what you own, where you live, or what job you have.
  • Avoid people who spend most of their time trying to impress others rather than live a good and happy life.
  • Never, ever spend money you don’t have. If you want something, make sure you figure out how to generate the money to buy it, or save for it.
  • Learn to love and appreciate what you have right now. The more we appreciate the good in our lives, the less likely we will run around trying to buy things to make ourselves happy.
  • Consider the idea that we need less than we usually think we do. Anyone who watches TV or reads magazines is continually told we need more to be, or look, good in the world.   Is it possible that you are perfect just the way you are right now?
  • Never forget the freedom and peace-of-mind that comes by living as debt-free (or with as little debt) as possible.
  • Find your happy place. If you REALLY don’t like living where you live right now, then figure out a way to move. Forcing yourself to stay in a place that drives you crazy or makes you deeply unhappy is not rightsizing.
  • Remember the saying “less is more” when it comes to doing things that truly make you more happy and content.
  • Realize that your time and energy are always more valuable than money. They are also irreplaceable.  Live fully for today!
  • Rightsizing is not a destination you arrive at and then you’re done. Rightsizing is a continually unfolding journey. Enjoy the ride!

 

Just as we hoped, Thom and I have found a new “tribe” of Rightsizers. By finding a local group of people who share many of the same values as we do, we hope to encourage and be encouraged in the days to come.  I would never tell people they can’t have what they dream of or desire, but as we mature most of us discover that it is the feelings we seek rather than the stuff.  Gradually, I’ve come to realize that SMART Living and Rightsizing share a lot in common. The biggest difference is that SMART Living is the exploration of ideas we can use to create a life filled with happiness, meaning, and peace of mind. In contrast, Rightsizing is where the rubber hits the road.   It takes both.

Other SMART Related Posts:

  • IMG_2050
    Is A Rightsized Life Right For Everyone?
  • Growing up #2
    What Did You Want To Be When You Grew Up?
  • Accept #2
    Accepting the Present Moment Right Now
  • Is It Time For Us All To Live Like We Are Dying?
    Is It Time For Us All To Live Like We Are Dying?
Your share is deeply appreciated!

18 Comments

Comments

  1. Julia says

    February 10, 2019 at 5:06 AM

    Enjoyed all of your posts. I am so on board with rightsizing. I have been seriously decluttering and making sure what I have is all I need. The tough part is that we live in the house that my husband helped is parents build when he was a teenager. A 5 acre, 5 bedroom house, with continual maintenance needs. For the first time, my husband actually said we may have to downsize due to his health issues. I am relieved. My job will be to keep decluttering by getting personal belongings back to the family members it belongs to, and making sure it is ready to sell when he is ready to let it go. I use to feel attached to the furniture and stuff, but I dont anymore. I would be willing to sell it furnished, or unfinished, or partially furnished. What is your experience with selling homes with furnishings. I am thinking a young family mught appreciate not having to pay for furnishings if they are upsizing.

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 10, 2019 at 2:40 PM

      Hi Julia! You ask a great question. I think in many cases you can “offer” a home for sale fully furnished and leave the rest up to the buyer. Of course, if it is too cluttered or looks messy, then it will not show your house in the best light. Better to get rid of it in that case. But you can also donate it if you don’t want to try to sell it yourself. As long as the items are in decent condition they should be welcome. And I agree that you and your husband have to agree before it can sell, but it sounds like you are moving in that direction. Good luck. ~Kathy

      Reply
  2. Lynne Spreen says

    February 11, 2017 at 6:11 AM

    I wish I had the time to read this quietly and thoughtfully, because from skimming it, I see so much that appeals, but I don’t have time. Because I have too many interests. I want to do everything! I want to write. I want to work on the writers’ Guild. I want to start an indie book marketing group. I want to help elders publish their books. Holy moly.
    My husband, Bill, tells me that I have to think of my time as I would our bank account: you can’t buy everything you see. You have to budget.
    But I remember when I was in my late teens, early 20s, envying people who had hobbies and interests. I didn’t know what mine were, and was frequently bored (although I did work fulltime as a filing clerk – mind-numbing). As an older person, I celebrate having a curious mind, but it brings its own challenges!
    Thanks for taking the time to parse this out, Kathy. I will print it out and read it after the grandkids hit the sack tonight.

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 11, 2017 at 10:50 AM

      Hi Lynne! I think that time is one of the greatest possessions that we all have in our lives. Certainly, as I age it is becoming more and more valuable. That’s why rightsizing our time is probably as important as rightsizing our home or finances. And as for being curious–I happen to think that is one of the greatest character traits a person can have. The challenge is keeping it mindful and focused though, right? Glad this post caught your curiosity though. And thanks for checking in~ ~Kathy

      Reply
  3. Tom Sightings says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:18 AM

    Hi Kathy, All good advice.. I “get” (and agree with) all your rightsizing principles and most of the practical tips. Question: Could you address more directly the issue of rightsizing your experiences, rather than your stuff. It seems like a slightly different issue that I know you’ve touched on, but how am I rightsizing my travel plans, or the help I may want to give my kids, or just the simple question of whether we want to drop a hundred dollars by going out to dinner tonite? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 9, 2017 at 7:49 AM

      Hi Tom! Thanks for your question. I do tend to believe that rightsizing “works” both for the practical aspects of our lives like where and how to live as well as on the level of our experiences. That’s because to me at least, rightsizing is mostly about becoming conscious and aware (mindful) of what is really most important to us in terms of our overall wellbeing. Whenever we travel we are required to make all sorts of decisions–do we really want to go? are we just making others happy? do we have the financial resources at this time to do what we think we want to do? All those questions can be rightsized by figuring them out in the big scheme of our lives and letting go of what either isn’t good for us or doesn’t work for the time being. Likewise, supporting our children or any loved one needs to be consciously considered in light of what we are really doing and why. Can we truly afford to help? Are we doing it because we feel our children are inadequate for some reason? Are we merely enabling them to be less self-reliant in the future? The decision that we arrive at is less important, in my honest opinion, than the conscious awareness that gets us there. And as for spending $100 for dinner—that’s probably on the low side where I live! I think we “rightsize” that decision when we mindfully ask ourselves why? Is it a special occasion? How does that affect, or not affect, our finances? Are we just being lazy? The way I see rightsizing is that no one can answer the best decision for any of us but ourselves. Does that make it more clear? I think rightsizing is such a great way to think about everything that happens in our lives mainly because it ultimately allows us to focus on everything that really matters to us–including all our experiences. Thanks again for the question Tom. ~Kathy

      Reply
  4. Still the Lucky Few says

    February 5, 2017 at 10:25 PM

    Thank you for clarifying the difference between rightsizing and downsizing. It’s so simple, but had me so confused! Your questions about how to analyze the realities of our home and finance situations got me thinking, and led me and my husband to a discussion about our own decisions. We decided, ultimately, that we made the right decision (buying a small condo) several years ago. It was helpful to go through the exercise, and confirm our feelings about it. I loved your final ten tips, particularly the last one. Wise words!

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:23 PM

      Hi Diane! Your words are music to my ears because just knowing that I inspired you and your husband to talk about it further is exactly what I always hope to do with my articles. How we end up in Rightsizing is very individual, but we can use many of the same thoughts and questions to get there. And good for you for taking that step several years ago and now reaffirming it. As far as I can tell it just gets better and better we go! Thanks for sharing your experience. ~Kathy

      Reply
  5. Terri Webster Schrandt says

    February 4, 2017 at 8:32 PM

    I’m sure your audience just loved what you and Thom had to share! Such wise words, that many don’t think of! Hope you can lead more!

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:20 PM

      Hi Terri! Thank you. It was a wonderful experience….and as you know, most of us writers don’t always have avenues to share our ideas in person like you do with your teaching. So glad to have had the opportunity and looking forward to the next one. ~Kathy

      Reply
  6. Nora says

    February 4, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    wish I could have been at your presentation. I know it had to be terrific for you and Them have such wonderful ideas!

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:19 PM

      Hi Nora! Yes, it was a fun experience and I’m hoping everyone there got as much out of the gathering as I did. Having people show up and want to talk about something I LOVE talking about is certainly a good way to spend a couple of hours. You should try it with your book? ~Kathy

      Reply
  7. Donna says

    February 3, 2017 at 2:18 PM

    Thank you for sharing this practical information and very useful tips. Although I was not previously familiar with ‘rightsizing’, your words are very clear and the concept makes complete sense to me.

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:16 PM

      Hi Donna! Glad I was able to introduce you to a new way to process some of the ideas that I think actually occur in many people as they age and seek retirement. From reading your blog I can tell that many of the practices are probably already part of your life. Using the word rightsizing just helps me put a “framework” around it and stay on track. And hopefully help others as well. Thanks for your input! ~Kathy

      Reply
  8. Rena McDaniel says

    February 3, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    Congratulations on your successful lecture. Right sizing is definitely a mindset and a way of life. You are either all in our you’re not. There’s no half and half.

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:13 PM

      Hi Rena! I’m happy to say that everyone there got to participate in the discussion because sometimes people “hear” better when different people present different perspectives. I do so agree that Rightsizing is a mindset but sometimes it takes time to get there–at least that’s how it worked for Thom and I. Fortunately, we have completely converted now and are overjoyed with the results! ~Kathy

      Reply
  9. Haralee says

    February 3, 2017 at 9:39 AM

    This is great Kathy! No wonder your discussion was successful. I think there is a need for just what you highlighted here at continuing ed classes, senior centers, community workshops, etc.!

    Reply
    • Kathy Gottberg says

      February 6, 2017 at 1:10 PM

      Hi Haralee! Thank you. I do think it is such a valuable conversation for people to have. There was a little defensiveness on the part of a couple of attendees about justifying the things they owned, but Rightsizing really doesn’t judge one way or another. It just points out that we must be conscious about the things we do decide to buy and enjoy. If we aren’t using it much, if we are spending more than we have, then that stress will detract from anything we think we NEED to own. Just talking about things usually helps us to become more aware and decide–including me. Would love to see this discussion in more places. Thanks for that idea. ~Kathy

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Stay SMART!

About

Kathy Gottberg is an author with seven published books and hundreds of articles covering dozens of topics in the last 35 years. Along with her books, her passion today is SMART Living 365 where she explores ideas and experiences that help to create a meaningful, sustainable, compassionate and rewarding life for herself and others. Beyond that, she lives with Thom, her best friend and soul mate in La Quinta, CA

To contact Kathy: click here

More SMART Ideas!

  • Welcome to SMART Living!
  • Who are we? And why SMART?
  • Other SMART & Favorite Blogs I Read
  • Our List Of Best Websites for Positive Aging and Retirement
  • Privacy Policy

SMART Books 2020

SMART Books 2020

All SMART Book Reviews!

  • Recommended Books By Review

Categories

Archives

Key Words & Common Themes

Abraham-Hicks appreciation awareness choosing to be happy consciousness contendedness creating happiness debt free finding happiness freedom ful-filled gratitude greater awareness happiness happy happy life interconnected interconnection journey Kathy Gottberg law of attraction learning to be grateful less is more LOA meaning minimalism Optimism peace positive aging Practicing gratitude retirement rewarding rewarding life rightsizing seeking happiness simple living Smart Living staying conscious staying healthy sustainability sustainable thankful travel well-being you get to make it up

Copyright © 2023 · SMARTLiving365 On Genesis Framework · Webmaster: T.O. Weller

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT