“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci
One Question for a Clearer December
The last day of a long weekend has its own quiet rhythm.
Not quite a holiday.
Not quite everyday life.
A pause between the two.
It’s a natural doorway into December — a moment when many of us begin thinking about plans, changes, or the year ahead. But before you commit to anything, here’s one Practical Minimalism question worth carrying into the new season:
Can I see myself doing this in six months — and will my future self thank me for saying yes?
This could be you — or an artist friend — right now. You’ve been eyeing a course from someone you trust: solid material, strong reputation, genuinely helpful content. The logic of the curriculum makes sense — do the work and get the results. The challenge is that it requires near-perfect execution of several new behaviors at once: building your list, creating content, making videos, and staying active in a community. And the reality is, if even one of those things isn’t something you enjoy or can realistically sustain, it’s wise to be honest with yourself and decline the opportunity for now.
If my younger self had asked this question, I would’ve made better choices then — but it’s aiding my future self now. It pays dividends that don’t go on a spreadsheet.
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The holiday season tends to expand everything: your time, your emotions, your invitations, your ideas, even your hopes for what next year might look like. Most opportunities seem light when they first appear — possibilities, not commitments. But once the pace picks up again, every “small yes” becomes a real responsibility.
This question helps you see around corners.
It protects your energy before you overextend it.
It keeps you honest with yourself.
You don’t need a detailed plan today.
You don’t need resolutions.
You don’t need to overhaul anything.
Just one moment of clarity.
Pick one idea, one invitation, or one “maybe later” that has come your way this season and ask:
“Six months from now, will I be grateful I chose this?”
If the answer gives you energy, that’s your yes.
If the answer weighs on you, that’s your no.
If you’re unsure, default to no.
Significant opportunities rarely vanish. Saying no for now moves you forward.
Both are clarity — and clarity is what carries you through the season ahead.
The Practical Minimalism you practice clarifies the processes you choose — and elegant simplicity becomes the gift you give yourself.
— Barney
PS: Practical Minimalism is the art of doing fewer things better—consistently choosing quality over quantity in every aspect of your creative business. It’s about making intentional decisions that protect your creative energy while building sustainable success. It utilizes the simplest methods, apps, and tools to accomplish the task effectively. You’re not looking for the cheapest option, but the right choice—the one that delivers results without adding complexity to your life.
Great article! I’m trying to figure out so many things right now, it is hard to cut through all the “foggy” areas. There are so many pieces to the puzzle of building a business and all that on top of dealing with family needs and my own health struggles. Thanks for giving some practical ideas.
Hi Esther,
Thank you so much for sharing, Esther. Balancing business goals with family and health challenges can feel overwhelming, and I admire your honesty about navigating those “foggy” areas. It’s encouraging to hear that the practical ideas resonated with you. Sometimes even small steps toward clarity—like simplifying processes or focusing on one priority at a time—can make the bigger picture less daunting. Wishing you strength and steady progress as you piece together your puzzle, and I’m glad the article could be a helpful part of that journey.
Best Wishes,
Barney
At first, I read your articles (all of them so very helpful…) then deleted them. But I have retrieved them all and will save them. Even my kids will find useful life lessons in these instructive articles. Thank you Barney. I’m a huge fan. Keep doing what you are doing.
Hi aNna,
This made me smile. I’m really glad you brought the pieces back—and that your kids might find something useful in them too. Thank you for reading and for staying with the work.
All the best!
Barney