Feeling like you’re constantly juggling too much? Your mind racing a mile a minute?
Yeah, me too. Life can feel like a tangled mess of to-dos, notifications, and expectations. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. But what if I told you there’s a way to untangle it all, to find a bit more peace and clarity? It’s not about some magic fix. It is about making small intentional changes. Our founder, Stephen Montagne, knows this journey well. He went from battling gaming, overeating, and other unhealthy habits to losing over 110 pounds and finding real purpose. His path wasn't about grand gestures but about simplifying things one step at a time. If he could do it, trust me, we can too.
Here are 25 ways to start simplifying your life today.
Clear Out the Clutter (Physical and Mental)
Clutter isn't just about the stuff in our homes. It’s also the noise in our heads. Simplifying here can make a huge difference.
- Declutter one small space. Don't try to tackle the whole house. Pick a drawer, a shelf, or your desktop. Spend just 10-15 minutes. Small wins build momentum.
- Apply the "one-in one-out" rule. For every new item that comes into your home, let one old item go. This keeps clutter from piling up again.
- Digitally detox regularly. Unsubscribe from emails you never read. Turn off non-essential notifications. Your phone shouldn't own you.
- Clear your mind before bed. Jot down any lingering thoughts or tasks for the next day. This can help you sleep better.
- Let go of grudges. Holding onto resentment is like carrying a heavy bag. Forgiveness frees up incredible mental energy. Stephen found that strengthening his faith helped him release past hurts and find peace.
Streamline Your Commitments and Time
Our time and energy are precious. Let's learn to protect them.
- Learn to say "no." You don’t have to attend every event or agree to every request. Saying no to things that don't align with your priorities is saying yes to yourself. This was crucial for Stephen when he decided to break free from old habits. He had to say no to invitations or activities that would lead him back.
- Identify your top 3 priorities for the day. Instead of a massive to-do list that feels impossible, focus on what truly needs to get done. Accomplishing these brings a real sense of achievement.
- Single-task instead of multitasking. We think we’re being efficient but multitasking often just splits our focus and reduces quality. Do one thing well.
- Batch similar tasks. Answer emails in one go. Run all your errands together. This reduces mental switching and saves time.
- Schedule buffer time. Don't pack your days back-to-back. A little breathing room between appointments or tasks can reduce stress significantly.
Simplify Your Daily Routines
Routines don’t have to be rigid. Simple routines can free up mental space.
- Automate what you can. Set up automatic bill payments. Create templates for recurring emails. Less to remember means less stress.
- Plan your meals (loosely). You don't need a complicated meal plan. Just having a general idea of what you’ll eat for a few days can prevent last-minute stress and unhealthy choices. Stephen found simple meal prep a game-changer in his 110-pound weight loss journey.
- Create a simple morning routine. It could be 15 minutes of quiet reflection, stretching, or enjoying a cup of tea. Starting the day intentionally sets a positive tone. Stephen incorporates prayer and gratitude into his mornings.
- Establish a wind-down evening routine. This signals to your body that it's time to rest. Maybe it's reading a book, listening to calming music, or light stretching. Avoid screens right before bed.
- Limit choices where possible. Think about a capsule wardrobe. Fewer clothes mean less decision fatigue in the morning. This principle can apply to many areas of life.
Nurture Your Inner Well-being
Simplifying isn't just about external things. It's also about how we care for ourselves.
- Practice daily gratitude. Take a moment each day to notice what you’re thankful for. It shifts your perspective. Stephen credits daily gratitude as a key practice that helped him stay positive and focused during his transformation.
- Move your body in a way you enjoy. It doesn't have to be an intense gym session. A walk, a dance, or some gardening can work. Find joy in movement.
- Embrace imperfection. Striving for perfection is exhausting and often unattainable. "Good enough" is often good enough. Celebrate progress not perfection.
- Limit your news intake. Stay informed but don't let the constant barrage of negativity overwhelm you. Choose one or two trusted sources and check in briefly.
- Get enough sleep. It sounds simple but it’s foundational. When you're well-rested everything feels easier to handle.
Refine Your Focus and Connections
Simplifying helps us connect more deeply with what truly matters.
- Define what’s essential for you. What are your core values? What truly brings you joy and fulfillment? Align your life with these things. For Stephen, strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith provided a clear sense of purpose and helped him define his essentials.
- Curate your social circle. Spend time with people who uplift and support you. It’s okay to lovingly distance yourself from relationships that consistently drain you.
- Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel bad. Your feed should inspire you not make you compare or despair.
- Ask for help when you need it. It’s not a sign of weakness. We all need support sometimes.
- Practice mindful presence. Whether you're eating a meal, talking to a friend, or working on a task, try to be fully present. This is where deep work happens, like Stephen’s focused 2-4 hour work bursts. It’s also where true connection happens.
Simplifying your life isn't a one-time project. It's an ongoing practice. A gentle journey of letting go and focusing on what truly enriches your existence. Remember Stephen’s journey. He didn’t transform overnight. It was through consistent small steps. Daily choices to simplify and prioritize what mattered. He celebrated small wins along the way. He recognized that progress is built on these little victories.
So where can you start? Don’t try to do all 25 things at once. That would be the opposite of simple. Pick just one thing from this list that resonates with you today. What’s one small change you can make to invite a little more ease into your life this week?
