Above all, the move to downshifting requires a values-based decision. So it might be useful for potential downshifters to know a bit about values and how to use them in guiding decisions.
What are values?
There are various definitions of values, but a simple one which I like is that values are "the things that are most important to us". Of course values are not really "things (in fact downshifters soon realise that "things take on less importance in a simpler, richer life). However, things often represent our values in different ways. For instance, the 4WD parked in the driveway of the suburban accountant may represent his value of status. For his neighbour, the park ranger, his 4WD may represent his value of practicality. Therefore, values are more accurately described as the ideas or concepts that are most important to us, often represented by material objects.
Values Prioritisation
While we all place importance on many values, the priority which we give various behaviours and lifestyle choices sorts out what are our really important values.
Every time we make a decision, we are choosing one value over another. When we choose to spend our money on going to a rock concert instead of buying a textbook, we may be choosing the value of fun over the value of insight. Turning our back on a high-profile corporate career in order to spend more time with the family may represent a choice of family over recognition.
This values prioritisation can be placed consciously (deliberate, values-based choices) or unconsciously (habits and ego-driven desires). Many would argue that the advertising industry goes to great lengths to serve the latter. The act of downshifting in most cases is a triumph of the former.
Values-based decision-making for downshifters
If you are thinking about downshifting, now is an ideal time to examine your values and decide what is really important to you. Is the recognition I receive from climbing the corporate ladder really more important to me than my family? More important than my health?
Here is a simple way to decide of downshifting is for you. First, make a list of the things and behaviours that you would have to give up in order to downshift. Beside each item on that list, write what that thing represents to you, in terms of a value. Next, write a list of the things or behaviours that you would gain by downshifting. Again, write what those things represent to you.
Now compare both lists and ask yourself the question, "which of these 2 lists represent the values of most importance to me in the life I would deliberately choose to lead?"
One of the reasons that stories of downshifters are always inspiring is that the people involved had to take stock and make a decision about what is most important to them, sometimes sacrificing something pleasurable along the way. By reconnecting to our values and deliberately choosing a lifestyle to match, we are able to opt for a simpler, richer life knowing that it is not just what we want, but what we really really want.
