uncomplicate your music

Music is an incredible thing. It has the power to make you smile, frown, laugh, or cry. It can relax you or stress you out. Nearly everyone listens to music on a daily basis. Something that's such a big part of our life needs to be simplified just like anything else. Here are a few simple principles that have helped me.

love every song
I asked a few friends what percentage of their music they actually listen to regularly, and their answers were surprising. They all said 20% or less. What's the point of filling up your library with songs that are just "okay"? People change. We grow out of genres, artists, and individual songs. There's no reason to keep stuff you used to like. An easy way to tell what you're into is by how often you play a song. If it's been a while, you probably aren't digging it anymore.

organize into playlists
Most of you probably do this, but I know several people who don't organize their music at all. It's all in one folder together. And while that might work if you only listen to one type of music, it's not usually ideal. You wouldn't want your workout song to start blaring while you were trying to fall asleep, would you? I personally sort my music by genre, but there are a lot of ways to do it. Get creative!

go digital
Convert all your cassettes and CDs to music files on your computer, so you'll have everything in one place. You can skip this tip if you don't have a portable music player... but I would encourage getting one instead of storing hundreds of discs or tapes.

don't shut out the world
So many people (the younger generation especially) constantly have their earbuds in... whether they're on the couch or riding the subway. Music is a great thing, and there is definitely a time and place for it. But sometimes it's good to unplug and actually listen to the people around us. Try it for a few days! Turn your music off and save it for when you're by yourself.

why I downgraded
I've always listened to music on a multi-media type device. Until a couple months ago, when I sold my mp3 player, and bought an iPod shuffle (because it was the simplest mp3 player I could find). Why would I give up a device that could surf the internet, play videos, take photos, compose emails, read books, store music, and lots more, for something that could only do one thing?

-I  found myself checking it constantly. First thing when I woke up, last thing when I went to bed, and all throughout the day. I didn't need any more temptation to waste time on the internet.
-I don't need an mp3 player to do all that! I already have a laptop. I just need it to play music.
-The battery life was horrible! I had to charge it every other day.
-I had trouble keeping it in my pocket. I listen to music most when I do housework, and it always found a way to hop out of my pocket when I bent over. The shuffle has a super tight clip that keeps it secure no matter what I'm doing.
-The screen glare was annoying (plus it hurt my eyes!) after the lights were out.
-I needed some extra cash, and was able to sell the old one for exactly what I paid for it. Made 50 bucks after I bought the shuffle, and I like it so much better! Hey, when you don't have a job...

Now why did I tell you all that? Am I trying to sell you an iPod shuffle? Absolutely not, but I am trying to give you a few things to think about. Do you really need a mini-computer to listen to music, or can you simplify and use something more basic?

I hope these tips have given you a few ideas! I'd also love to hear how you've simplified your music collection. Do you have any helpful tips you could share with the rest of us?