1. LESS IS MORE Simplifying your life
Presented by Cigna Employee Assistance Program

2. SEMINAR GOALS Learn why we get caught in the trap of “too much”
Understand the concept of how less can be more
Discover the benefits of simplifying your life
Find out how to identify what is important to you
Discuss tips to get started and stick with simplifying
Review the benefits of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

3. THE TRAP OF “TOO MUCH” Acquiring things Culture of consumption
Tie our self-worth to things
Competing with “the Joneses”
Rigid assumptions about the expectations of others
Reinforced by advertising and amount of choice

4. THE TRAP OF “TOO MUCH” Keeping things Sentimental or emotional value
“I might need it someday!” mindset
We no longer see all that we have
Extreme behaviors may require professional help

5. HOW CAN LESS BE MORE?
Understand it isn’t necessarily about being frugal
Become aware that “too much” comes at a cost
Examine the cost vs. value of your choices
Think of it as “right-sizing” what you have and do
“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”
- Charles Dudley Warner
(Brainy Quote, n.d.a)

6. WHAT CAN YOU GAIN?
Free up time, energy and money to pursue what matters to you
Give important relationships their due
Life lesson for children
Reduce stressors that can cause health issues
Personal finance check-up

7. TAKING THE FIRST STEP Identify what is important ID your best times
ID your legacy
ID your life goals
ID your valuables

8. SIMPLIFYING METHODS
Eliminate
Edit
Efficiency
Enlist aid
Evaluate

9. LESS… Obligations Think of time the way you think of money
Meld work and family calendars
Learn to say no without excuse
Practice delegating
Automate when possible

10. LESS… Media Clear up virtual clutter
Unsubscribe from unwanted mailings
Create connection boundaries
OHIO – Only Handle It Once
Wean yourself from TV

11. LESS… Spending How much is your enough?
Ask if it’s worth what it takes to earn it
Commit to battling debt
Get rid of under or unused accounts
Don’t pay to be a procrastinator

12. LESS… Getting Buy only to replace things Shop without buying
Buy quality not quantity
Avoid temptation
Don’t believe the hype

13. LESS… Stuff Keep only an appropriate amount
Use available space as limiting factor
Let items serve more than one purpose
Know what you have
Consider the value of giving away

14. LESS… Stress Single task vs. multi-task Focus on the present
Make your to-do list realistic
Don’t fight with time
Bookend your day with rituals

15. STAY THE COURSE Be realistic Focus on the goal
Use mantras – phrases you can repeat
Get family members on board
Celebrate what you have accomplished

16. The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.
– Hans Hoffmann
(BrainyQuotes, n.d.)

17. BENEFITS OF THE EAP Face-to-face sessions Confidential Prepaid
Unlimited telephonic consultation
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Household benefit
Work/life support such as elder care, child care and pet care
Financial services
Legal services
BENEFITS OF THE EAP
Benefits vary by employer. Please check with your HR for your specific EAP benefits.

18. REFERENCES
ARI Institute. (2011). A culture of consumption. Retrieved December 9, 2011 from
BrainyQuote.com. (n.d.). Famous quotes. Retrieved December 8, 2011 from
Bredehoft, D.J. (2009). New study finds overindulged children grow up to be greedy, self-centered adults. MCFR Family Forum. Winter p.11. [electronic publication]. Retrieved from MCFRFamilyForumWinter09.pdf
MayoClinic.com. (2010). Stress: Constant stress puts your health at risk. Retrieved December 5, 2011 from
WebMD.com. (n.d.). Cut the stress, simplify your life. Retrieved December 5, 2011 from

19. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. All models are used for illustrative purposes only.
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