UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Keeping Your Life Simple
TOP TIPS
We live in a busy society. I am sure you get it. We have so many responsibilities to keep up with. There is so much going on. Someone always needs something. Any chance you get to rest is likely interrupted by another issue, want, emergency or distraction. There is little time to sit back and breathe. If you want to keep your life simple, consider this…
1 – Determine What Is Important to You
Enjoying a simple life begins by knowing what really matters. What is important to you? What does a simple life look like to you? It can help to write down four or five priorities in your life, which you can use as a compass.
2 – Get Rid of the Clutter
Stuff stifles you and your dreams. The more you have, the more you have to worry about and take care of. Walk into any room in your home and look at it as if you were a new home buyer. What can go? What can stay? Then let the decluttering begin.
3 – Develop Daily Routines
Routines ensure things get done while leaving you time to live life. Any repetitive tasks or duties you have are a great place to start. Create routines you can do as if you were on autopilot. This will save you time and energy.
4 – Learn to Say No
Even though it can hurt to let people down, saying “no” more often will help simplify your life. It means fewer things on your plate, so you can focus on what’s important to you. It is helpful to remember that every time you say “no” to something, you say “yes” to your own goals.
5 – Spend Time with People You Love
Spending more time with the most important people in your life will make life simpler – and honestly – more enjoyable. You don’t have to give up on your friends and family. You just have to figure out who is important enough to prioritize.
6 – Let Go of Toxic Relationships
No one can make our lives more complicated than a toxic friend, family member, or partner. Simplify your life by refusing to feed into their drama. Limit your exposure to these people as much as possible.
7 – Limit Your Time Online
Being at the beck and call of your notifications, social media, or email is no way to lead a simple life. While it can be hard to avoid your phone and email entirely, figure out ways to limit their distraction. Setting specific times to check your email and social media is a good start. …As long as you stick to them!
8 – Simplify Your Wardrobe
You probably wear only 20% of what is in your closet. So, why do you allow so many items to clutter your closet and add stress when trying to find something to wear? It’s time to purge your wardrobe to some basic, well-made pieces that you can mix and match. Imagine how much easier your mornings just became.
9 – Take Time to Plan Your Week
Taking some time to plan your week is a great way to simplify things. It gives you a roadmap to follow. No more wondering what’s next or scrambling to get something you forgot done.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Take a Sunday afternoon and write your priorities and what is important to you. Review the list and pull out the top 4-5 items. Post them in a prominent spot as a reminder to aim for simplicity.
2 – Purge your closet. Take out all of the items and go through each piece. If you can no longer wear it, get rid of it. If it needs repairing, and you don’t have the time or skills, send it out the door.
3 – Take your kid(s) out for ice cream and engage with them. Listen to them tell you about their day. Don’t let your phone distract you. Be totally in the moment.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
