Simple Living Tip #6: Clean up your thoughts
This may be one of the most important things I have ever learned. I have read countless books on the power of the mind and once I began putting the principles into my life, I noticed how everything changed for me.
It started with negative self talk. In the book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hills encourages us to "Guard your speech. Never speak of yourself, your affairs, or of anything else in a discouraged or discouraging way."
Our brains are wild. Thoughts can go all over the place and have you worry, stress over what might come, etc. You absolutely can learn to harness the power of your mind and choose your thoughts wisely. Once you get your thoughts under control, your life will simplify and become a much more powerful tool for you to design a life that you love.
If you need a place to dump the thoughts that are keeping you overwhelmed, I highly encourage you to journal out everything that you think, even if its not so pleasant. Just letting it out on paper can really help you clear out your mind. You may want to try my favorite journal rituals:
♥️ My signature evening journal ritual
♥️ The journal ritual you didn’t know you needed
♥️ How to use journaling to awaken your feminine energy
Another thing I want you to try and do: write down everything as it comes up. As soon as you think of something, have a specific place to write it down. This way, you aren’t having to keep everything up in your mind. When there is a specific place where you write things down, your mind gets to relax and trust that your notebook, to do list or phone has it at all times for you to access.
This tip has absolutely changed my life. I like to keep a notebook where I write everything down I think about and want to remember throughout the day. I also have several lists for different things in life I want to keep track of you. You can see the 15 lists I make every month here.
Simple Living Tip #7: Practice saying no more often
Several years ago a friend of mine taught me that "saying no to something, is saying yes to something else." This really resonated with me because I tend to be a people pleaser. I found it easier to appease others requests and needs instead of checking in with myself first.
Once I began to change this for myself, I felt much more powerful in life. (This really became easy to do when I began using my calendar strategy I spoke about before)
You must prioritize yourself, your dreams, your life. If you are trying to get healthy and in shape, don't let friends encourage you to cheat or talk you off the ledge of your schedule. When you want to start a new business and your family wants to go on vacation, set a boundary. Make your work part of your travel schedule. It's easy to stick to your goals when you know what they are. So get in touch with your desires, implement goals and set boundaries for yourself to stick to them. You deserve it.
Simple Living Tip #8: The Art of Embracing Solitude
In the hustle and bustle of today's world, it's easy to forget the incredible power of solitude. Much like your newfound knack for saying no, embracing moments of quietude can be your secret weapon for simple living. It's an art well worth mastering.
Solitude, in its essence, is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and recharge. Think of it as a necessary pit stop on the road to your goals, dreams, and a simpler life. By carving out time for yourself, you're making a deliberate choice to say "yes" to your well-being and your personal growth.
Start by dedicating a few moments each day to solitude. It might be as simple as sipping your morning coffee in silence, taking a leisurely walk, or engaging in a daily meditation practice. These moments allow you to check in with yourself, assess your progress, and reinforce your priorities.
Remember, saying "no" to distractions and filling your life with purposeful moments of solitude is, in fact, saying "yes" to your own mental clarity and self-care. It's a gift you deserve, a key ingredient in your simple living recipe, and a powerful way to stay focused on your goals.
Simple Living Tip #9: Task-Oriented Days for Easier Time Management
Simplifying your life often involves managing your time and tasks more efficiently. A practical approach to achieving this is by assigning specific tasks to each day of the week. This method helps streamline your routine, making it easier to focus on your goals and priorities.
Start by designating themed days for specific types of tasks. For instance, you can reserve Mondays for administrative work, Tuesdays for meetings and communication, Wednesdays for household chores, and so on. This approach allows you to concentrate on one category of tasks each day, minimizing the stress of trying to juggle everything at once.
By saying "no" to a chaotic, disorganized schedule and "yes" to task-oriented days, you can enjoy a more structured and efficient approach to managing your time. This not only simplifies your daily routine but also provides a clear path to maintaining focus on your goals, values, and priorities.
Simple Living Tip #10: Digital Detox: Unplug and Reconnect
In our modern, tech-driven world, it's easy to become entangled in the web of digital distractions. We often find ourselves scrolling through social media, constantly checking emails, and responding to messages at all hours. This digital whirlwind can clutter our minds and erode the simplicity we crave.
To regain control and maintain a simpler, more intentional lifestyle, consider a digital detox. Take a conscious step back from your devices, and reclaim the precious time and headspace that often gets lost in the virtual world.
Start by designating tech-free hours or even entire tech-free days. Use this time to reconnect with the analog aspects of life. Engage in meaningful face-to-face conversations, immerse yourself in a good book, or take a leisurely stroll in nature.
Not only will a digital detox help you declutter your mind, but it will also reveal the beauty of the real world that exists beyond the screen. This break from digital chaos is your way of saying "no" to constant connectivity and "yes" to a simpler, more fulfilling life.
As you reacquaint yourself with the simplicity of analog experiences, you'll be amazed at how much more in touch you become with your goals, values, and priorities, bringing you closer to the life you envision.
Simple Living Tip #11: Mindful Consumption
In the pursuit of simple living, it's crucial to apply the principle of mindful consumption. This means taking a thoughtful, intentional approach to what you buy, use, and keep in your life.
The consumer-driven world bombards us with endless options and temptations, but simple living is all about conscious choices. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item truly aligns with your goals, values, and priorities. Will it enhance your life in a meaningful way, or will it add unnecessary clutter?
Additionally, consider the impact of your consumption on the environment and your budget. Opt for quality over quantity and invest in items that are built to last. Reducing waste and being a mindful consumer not only simplifies your life but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Another aspect of mindful consumption involves decluttering your current possessions. Regularly review your belongings and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. This process of simplification can be liberating and create space for the things that truly matter.
By embracing the principle of mindful consumption, you are saying "no" to mindless accumulation and "yes" to a life filled with intention and contentment. It's the final touch to your simple living journey, helping you create a more meaningful, uncluttered, and purpose-driven existence.
Simple Living Tip #12: Cultivate Gratitude for a Richer Life
Gratitude is a powerful and often underestimated tool on the path to a simpler, more meaningful existence and for becoming a queen of manifestation. To truly embrace the spirit of simple living, it's essential to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your daily life.
Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings you have, no matter how small they may seem. It could be the warmth of the sun on your face, a loving gesture from a friend, or a simple home-cooked meal. By acknowledging and appreciating these moments, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Gratitude has the remarkable ability to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It helps you recognize the abundance in your life and can deter you from the pursuit of unnecessary material possessions.
Incorporate a gratitude practice into your daily routine. You might keep a gratitude journal, where you jot down a few things you're thankful for each day, or simply take a moment of reflection before sleep. This habit will ground you in the present, enabling you to connect with your goals, values, and priorities on a deeper level.
By embracing gratitude, you say "no" to the never-ending quest for more and "yes" to the richness of the present moment. It's the final piece of the simple living puzzle, allowing you to lead a more content and purposeful life.
Simple Living Tip #13: Quality Over Quantity in Relationships
In the quest for a simpler life, the quality of your relationships is just as important as the simplicity of your possessions. Consider embracing the principle of quality over quantity when it comes to your social circle.
Instead of spreading yourself thin by trying to maintain a vast number of acquaintances, focus your time and energy on nurturing deep, meaningful relationships with a select few. These are the connections that truly matter and bring value to your life.
Prioritize relationships that align with your goals, values, and priorities. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you to grow. These are the people who will walk alongside you in your journey toward a simpler, more intentional existence.
Saying "no" to superficial or toxic relationships can be one of the most liberating steps you take on your path to simplicity. It's a way of preserving your emotional well-being and protecting your time for what truly matters.
By concentrating on quality over quantity in your relationships, you're saying "yes" to a richer, more fulfilling life. These meaningful connections will help you stay grounded in your objectives, ensuring your journey toward simplicity remains steady and full of purpose.
