Never underestimate the impact of simple! As humans, we tend to overcomplicate things. We go for the complex and the convoluted rather than the simple. Never is this more visible than in the concept of simple pleasures.

I recently stumbled upon a study by the University of Melbourne that linked simple pleasures with making better progress towards goals. You can read their findings here, but the quick and dirty version is that on the flipside of a simple pleasure is a marked increase in energy, productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.

So, what even is a simple pleasure? The experience itself is subjective. One man’s treasure is another man’s trash well and truly applies but in terms of a definition, a simple pleasure is an experience that isn’t dependent on undue effort or financial resources. In order to ‘pleasurable’ they require focus, gratitude and being in the moment aka mindfulness. They’re a pause, some white space in the ‘busy.’ They’re about savouring an every day moment of joy or delight, and giving our sense of happiness and fulfilment a boost. A jolt of joy, perhaps? And yes, this just begs for me to change the headline of this piece to ‘Jo Justifies a Jolt of Joy…’

On the other side of a simple pleasure is a boost to energy and focus. There are anecdotes after anecdotes of some of the world’s most prolific and beloved novelists finding the solutions to their plot holes not at their writing desks, but rather while walking the dog in nature, while gardening or while staring out the window at the clouds overhead.

We’ve been fed a steady diet of misinformation when it comes to the concept of simple pleasures. We’ve been told we need a day (or a week!) at a health spa or that pleasure comes in the form of handbags. Science tells us through Hedonic Theory that this isn’t the case, that the simpler the pleasure the greater the impact on overall happiness. This isn’t to question or shame people’s choices - in fact, a quick glance at my shoe closet, a temple at which I unapologetically worship, puts that to rest. My contention is that seeing pleasure as indulgent, or worse, as a vice (guilty pleasure, anyone?) is a great misrepresentation. Instead of seeing a simple pleasure as getting in the way of achievement or productivity, the reality is that the pause offered by a simple pleasure actually increases productivity. Small pleasures fill the well, they buffer against stress. By triggering a positive emotion, they bring a sense of calm and satisfaction within the every day. In the context of entrepreneur life? They lead to sustainable business success and energised business owners living a life they love.

I mentioned earlier that a simple pleasure means different things to different people. I’ve been sharing mine on my social media and I love the responses I receive, as people share their own personal simple pleasures. Here’s a list of pleasures, both mine and those of some of my favourite women for your reading, ahem, pleasure:

• A glass of gorgeous wine in the early evening with a friend

• Sitting in the sun for 10 minutes in my favourite chair

• A ‘good’ pastry with a coffee

• The smell and feel of sheets that have been line dried in the sunshine

• Having a hot tea from that first sip where the steam fogs up my glasses through to the
final

• Walking near water

• Listening to a water feature bubbling away

• Silence by way of my noise cancelling headphones

As the Queen of Foodiness, food plays an important role in filling my tank of simple pleasures. I love sourcing food, preparing it, sharing it and of course devouring it.

Simple pleasures - a pot of my fave Earl Grey tea

So, how does one add ‘simple pleasures’ into an overcrowded day? Herein lies the true magic of the power of the simple pleasure - a ‘pause’ by very definition is not long! A simple pleasure can be experienced in as little as one to two minutes. Does ‘stop and smell the roses’ ring a bell? It’s all about taking a moment, acknowledging it and savouring it with as many of the five senses as possible to really embody it and allow it to form a buffer against life’s stressors. It’s a chance to recharge and reenergise through experiences that are quick, positive, everyday and familiar. They have little to no cost and so are accessible and available in the here and now. They slot into the noise and detritus of the day and provide a little power punch of joy that cumulatively, they lead to you living a life you love.

I’m always adding to my list of simple pleasures and would love you to share yours - please reach out, and let’s talk about how simple pleasures can help you reach your goals.

To your success…

My business tagline is "Reenergise your biz | live a life you love. Let's focus on bringing back joy in everything we do.

Think of a back to basics, where you are now, where you want to be in 12 months time and the steps & actions in between to get you there.

I will be running a series of online and in person workshops this year, the focus a reset to assist you in letting go of what no longer serves you and move you into working in your zone of genius to grow and scale.

The first workshop is a Raw Food Treats Cooking Workshop in my home kitchen. These sessions are joyous, smaller groups, semi hands on, I teach simple recipes & tips to reduce processed sugar, boost your energy levels and share strategies to help reduce time spent in the kitchen.

I invite you to join me on Sunday, 19th February 2023. Last days to book your ticket, click on the button below. Interested in future events? Register your interest here: jo@jo-annegrist.com

TICKETS: RAW FOOD TREATS COOKING WORKSHOP