Derek Sivers advocates for eliminating dependencies—like subscriptions and external programming libraries—to achieve long-term freedom, emphasizing that simplicity is not ease but autonomy. He shares how building a house from scratch in New Zealand reflected his commitment to a 'no by default' lifestyle, minimizing obligations to preserve clarity and control. Seth Godin stresses that simplifying is hard work requiring discipline: knowing exactly 'who it’s for' allows you to ignore irrelevant feedback, while eliminating gray areas—such as never missing deadlines or going over budget—creates structural integrity. He also reclaims time by refusing meetings, social media, and TV. Martha Beck recounts a near-death experience at age 29 that led her to follow deep joy rather than fleeting pleasure, adopting the rule: go toward joy, away from misery. This decision catalyzed autoimmune remission, authentic relationships, and inner peace, forming both a personal compass and professional mission. Together, their stories illustrate that one courageous choice can dissolve layers of complexity.