1. Think about your values and write down those that really matter to you. What is important? Spending time with family? Becoming wealthy? Learning new ideas? Traveling? Maintaining excellent health? Socializing with friends? Getting Organized? Decide what your priorities are and cut out the rest.
2. Declutter - Not using it? Throw it away! Even better, Give it away! You’ll feel good, I promise
3. Learn to say “no” – Realizing it’s okay to say no, to not do everything for everyone all the time and to put yourself and your needs first will add time to your day, eliminate stress, and help you accomplish what you really need to do and what’s important to you.
4. Automate Bill Paying - I know I’m probably the only person alive who still hasn’t done this. So, really I’m just talking to myself here
5. Stop checking your financial portfolio – this one is courtesy of my dad! Stop stressing about the day to day ups and downs of your investments. They’re for the long term and checking them regularly just adds stress.
6. Make time for yourself - Take a bath, go for a long walk, take a class, read a book, do something just for you each day!
7. Drive less – consolidate car trips, cut back on activities, walk, ride bikes. You’ll save on gas and stress!
8. Make a list of goals - pick a few very important to you things to do well and work toward them
9. Do it yourself – I know, not everyone has the time, energy or skills to do a lot of things themselves, but what you can do yourself or can teach yourself, do! Grow a vegetable garden, make your own cheese, bread, whatever…sew things yourself, remodel a room in your home to make it your place of relaxation. You’ll feel a sense of pride and probably save money while you’re at it.
10. Ask yourself - before you do something, check in with yourself. Is it true to who you are? Is it making your life easier? Is it helping you simplify?





5 comments
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November 29, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Renae
Simplifying has been a theme for me this year. I have a long way to go, but I’m getting there.
When the seasons changed, I got rid of so many children’s clothes. We are blessed to receive bags of hand-me-downs, but I usually keep way too much. My kids only wear the favorite outfits, so why clutter up bedrooms with clothes that just end up in the laundry basket?
Now I just need to simplify my computer/blogging time.
December 2, 2007 at 10:10 am
Sunday Morning Link Love - Cold Edition | I've Paid For This Twice Already...
[...] This Life: Ten Ways To Simplify Your Life. I really need to start doing #10 more often. This is a really great [...]
January 10, 2008 at 9:01 am
6 Easy Ways To Simplify Your Finance | Moolanomy
[...] 10 Ways to Simplify Your Life @ Remodeling This Life [...]
February 6, 2008 at 7:54 am
A Life of Simplicity « Remodeling This Life
[...] Get rid of unneeded stuff. Sure, that helps. It’s a great start. It’s even on my list of 10 ways to simplify your life. When it comes to things, well, that can be a battle. It’s hard to let go of stuff. Stuff we [...]
February 18, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Bill Regehr
While this is a good time to think about you, it is also a time when you need to have a purpose and vision that is larger than yourself. Life that is about me quickly becomes boring. Find a worthy non-profit and volunteer or engage in a business that will help you help others. Learning a new skill has multiple benefits. It will keep your mind challenged and get you thinking about possibilities and how you can help others with your new found abilities.
I’ve retired twice now and each time I got tired of golf and puttering around the house. I needed to be engaged in meaningful endeavor. At one point it was helping my son-in-law with his business and at another it was providing volunteer leadership at my church. Ultimately I went back into the workplace in a leadership capacity.
I’m now retired (again!) and am learning a new skill that I can use to help those in need to supplement their retirement earnings.
I guess I’m not a good retiree?