Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about goals—where I’m heading and how I’m really going to get there. I do this kind of self-check often, and each time it brings me back to the same core question: What can I change now to set myself up for the future I want?
Of course, the first step is having goals. Writing them down is another. Believing in yourself enough to pursue them daily? That’s the real challenge. But lately, something else has been pulling at me—something deeper than just to-do lists and timelines. That something is simplicity.
During a quiet walk the other day, the word simplify came up again and again. Not in a noisy, dramatic way—just a quiet nudge that said: You’ve got too much going on. Time to clear the clutter.
I couldn’t ignore it. So I’ve decided to take action. I’m not becoming a minimalist overnight, but I am ready to remove the excess so I can focus on what really matters. Inspired by minimalist thinkers like Colin Wright (who travels the world with just 72 items), I’m carving my own path toward simplicity.
Here’s my plan. Maybe it’ll inspire yours.
1. Goodbye, DVDs and Physical Audio Collections
This one is long overdue. I’ve held onto old audio programs and DVDs for years—many of which I haven’t touched since the ‘90s. As of this weekend, they’re all going. If I can’t stream it, download it, or save it to my hard drive, I’m letting it go.
Yes, that includes those classic Awaken the Giant Within CDs from 1993. They served their purpose. It’s time to make space.
2. Downsizing My Wardrobe to “The Rule of 5”
This is where things get real. I like clothes—especially workout shirts and shoes—but I’m ready to cut back.
I’m creating a capsule wardrobe using “the rule of 5.” That means:
- 5 workout shirts
- 5 pairs of jeans
- 5 button-downs
- 5 slacks
- 5 suits
- 5 ties
- 10 pairs of underwear (yes, there are exceptions)
- 5 pairs of shorts
- 10 pairs of shoes
Everything beyond that gets donated. It’ll be tough. But I’m ready to feel the freedom that comes from opening my closet and not feeling overwhelmed.
3. Eliminating Useless Keys
Ever looked at your keychain and wondered why you’re still carrying around a key to a lock that doesn’t even exist anymore?
I’ve got five of them. And they’re all going. Simple fix. Big mental relief.
4. Focusing on One Project at a Time
Right now, I’ve got half a dozen books sitting on my shelf, each with a bookmark about 20 pages deep. My browser has 12 articles saved. My to-do list? Don’t even ask.
It’s time to stop collecting content and start finishing what I’ve started.
Here’s my new rule: I won’t buy another book or bookmark another article until I finish what’s already in front of me. No more trying to consume everything at once. I’ll likely break this rule occasionally—but I’ll also make real progress where it matters.
5. Decluttering the Kitchen (Tupperware First!)
I walked into my kitchen earlier and counted 27 pieces of Tupperware. Twenty-seven. I use about five of them.
So here’s the deal: I’m keeping my top 5, and the rest are out. Same goes for anything I haven’t used in the past six months—coffee makers, extra plates, random mugs, duplicate utensils. They’re all going to someone who will actually use them.
Why Simplifying Matters (At Least to Me)
The truth is, I’m not just doing this to tidy up. I’m doing it because the clutter—mental, physical, digital—is slowing me down.
I want to knock my goals out of the park. I want to live near the beach someday. And when I picture that future, I realize the person who gets there is lighter, more focused, and more intentional.
Simplifying isn’t just about owning fewer things. It’s about creating more space—for clarity, for creativity, and for meaningful progress.
So this weekend, I’m diving in. Closets, keychains, kitchens—everything is fair game. I’m donating what I don’t need to the Salvation Army, knowing someone else will put it to better use.
Want to Join Me?
Simplifying looks different for everyone. Maybe for you, it’s unsubscribing from newsletters. Maybe it’s clearing out your inbox, deleting unused apps, or cutting back on commitments that drain you.
Whatever it is, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can remove from my life today that would make tomorrow feel lighter?
Start there.
And if you’re interested in going deeper, you might enjoy my other post on time management and productivity: Working In Time Blocks – Getting Things Done.
Let’s clear the clutter and make room for what matters most.
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