Life doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending to-do list.
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, running on empty, or stuck in habits that drain your energy, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. There was a time I spent my days gaming, binge eating, smoking, and just coasting through life. I felt lost. But every big change started with one small step. That’s all it takes. A shift toward simplicity can set off a whole chain of better choices.
Here are 21 easy hacks that helped me (Stephen) simplify my life and focus on what really matters. Try one or two to start. You don’t need to fix everything at once.
1. Start your day with 5 minutes of silence
Before you reach for your phone, sit in silence. Close your eyes. Breathe. Pray. Let your mind wake up without distractions. Starting in peace can change how the whole day feels.
2. Clear one tiny area each day
Stop trying to declutter your entire house in one weekend. Just pick one drawer, corner, or shelf and clean that. It builds momentum. Small wins turn into big progress.
3. Use a “done” list, not just a to-do list
To-do lists can feel endless. Instead, I started writing down what I actually finished during the day. It reminded me that I was moving forward, even when it didn’t feel like it.
4. Eat the same breakfast every day (or most days)
Decision fatigue is real. Simplify your mornings by having a go-to healthy breakfast. For me, it’s eggs, avocado, and fruit. Tastes great. Keeps me full. One less thing to think about.
5. Cut news and social media in the morning
When I started losing weight and breaking bad habits, one of the best things I did was stop scrolling first thing. It drained my focus and mood. Mornings are for setting your mindset, not stressing it out.
6. Use time blocks for deep work
Forget multitasking. Pick one task. Set a timer for 2 hours (or even just 30 minutes) and go all in. That’s how I started building GoodExistence and rebuilding my own life.
7. Pick your top 3 priorities each day
Not everything matters equally. Choose three things that will move your life forward—spiritually, physically, or mentally. Focus on those and let the rest wait.
8. Keep your phone out of your bedroom
I used to stay up until 2 a.m. binge-watching videos. Getting my phone out of my room helped me sleep better and wake up feeling focused. Switch to a real alarm clock if you need to.
9. Have a go-to outfit (or uniform)
Steve Jobs wore the same thing every day. You don’t have to be that extreme, but having a few easy, comfortable outfits makes getting dressed quicker and easier.
10. Set weekly “reset” days
Every Sunday, I spend a little time cleaning up my space, planning meals, getting groceries, and reviewing the past week. It helps me feel in control and calm heading into Monday.
11. Batch tasks
If you cook, cook a few meals at once. If you make calls, do them back to back. Switching less saves energy and time. More flow, less chaos.
12. Give everything a home
If something doesn’t have a place, it’ll become clutter. Period. When I got serious about simplifying, I started assigning everything I used regularly a “home” where it belonged.
13. Practice gratitude daily
Each evening, I write or think about 3 things I’m grateful for. On the worst days, it reminds me that God is still working. That I’ve come a long way. Gratitude grounds you.
14. Say “‘no”‘ more often
You don’t have to do everything, go to every event, or accept every invitation. Protect your peace. Say no kindly and clearly. Your future self will thank you.
15. Stop chasing perfection
When I started losing weight, I messed up all the time. But I kept going. Progress matters more than perfection. You don’t have to get it perfect to make it work.
16. Clean as you go
I used to let dishes pile up, then get overwhelmed. Now, I clean while I cook or right after I eat. What takes 2 minutes in the moment can save hours later.
17. Limit your decisions
Too many choices lead to stress. Eat the same lunch. Stick to one type of workout. Use a simple skincare routine. Less choice, more calm.
18. Use a calendar, not just your brain
Trying to remember everything creates mental clutter. Put it in a calendar or planner so your brain can rest. Use reminders or alerts if needed.
19. Make time to connect with God
When my life felt out of control, faith brought me back. Reading Scripture daily and praying helped me find peace and direction. It’s not just about religion. It’s about relationship.
20. Remind yourself: Less is more
More clothes, more gadgets, more apps—none of it brings lasting satisfaction. The more I simplified, the lighter I felt. Focus on what brings meaning, not more.
21. Celebrate small wins
You got out of bed early? Count it. You drank water instead of soda? That’s a win. Success stacks up when you notice the good. Acknowledging your progress keeps you moving.
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You don’t have to burn your life down to start fresh. Sometimes, the most powerful changes come from doing less and focusing on what really matters.
Take a moment right now and ask yourself: What’s one small thing I can do today that would make tomorrow easier?
Pick something from the list above—or even better, write down your own. Don’t aim for perfect. Just aim for real. That’s where the good stuff begins.
You’ve got this. And I’m walking with you.
