Why does Naval emphasize 'simplifying your life'?

Okay, let's talk about why Naval always emphasizes "simplifying life."

It's really not that mysterious. Think of it this way:

Imagine your brain and energy are like a computer's memory and CPU. If you open dozens of software programs at once, with useless apps secretly running in the background, what happens to that computer? — **Lag, slow response, prone to crashing.**

Naval's "simplify life" is essentially about giving your "life operating system" a major cleanup and optimization. Shut down those unnecessary "software" and "background processes" so your "computer" runs smoother and more efficiently.

Here's why he places so much emphasis on it, explained in plain language:

### 1. Reduce "Mental Drain" and Focus on What Truly Matters

Our daily energy is finite, like a phone battery—it depletes with use.

*   **Life Without Simplification:** What to wear today? What's for lunch? Reply to that unimportant email? Attend that unwanted party? Is that person flaunting their new car on social media?… These trivial matters, every single one, drain your "battery."
*   **Naval's Approach:** He argues that these minor choices are the "background processes" I mentioned. When you spend your energy here, by the time significant decisions arise (like changing jobs, learning new skills, handling family relationships), your "charge" is nearly gone.

**Simplifying life means proactively reducing these unnecessary decisions.** Take Jobs or Zuckerberg, wearing similar outfits daily. It's not lack of taste; it's refusing to waste precious decision-making power on minor things. Save that energy for the "big things" that truly change your life.

### 2. Escape the Shackles of "Stuff" and "Identity," Gain True Freedom

Many believe having more possessions equals more happiness—luxury cars, designer bags, big houses.

*   **Naval's View:** The happiness from such things is fleeting, but their maintenance cost (money, time, energy) is constant. A luxury car brings worries about scratches, upkeep, and expensive insurance. The more you own, the more they "own" you. You don't enjoy them; you serve them.

**Simplification asks: "Do you own your possessions, or do they own you?"**
When you stop defining yourself by external possessions, you gain mental freedom. Your happiness ceases to depend on the next purchase; it stems from within.

### 3. Make Fewer, But Better Decisions

Similar to point 1, but focuses on decision "quality."

*   When your life is cluttered with distractions, your decision quality plummets. Psychologically, this is **"decision fatigue."** Like grabbing junk food after hours of grocery shopping because you just can't choose anymore.
*   **Naval urges us to save our best energy states for life's most critical decisions—** maybe just a handful: Where do you live? Who are you with? What work do you do? Simplifying life ensures you have a clearer mind and higher-quality time for these pivotal "big questions" that shape your happiness.

### 4. Find Inner Peace and True Happiness

Put simply, Naval believes happiness isn't about externally "adding" things, but internally "subtracting" what makes you unhappy.

> **Happiness = Health + Wealth + Good Relationships**
> **Health = Exercise + Diet + Sleep**
> **