In a world that often pushes us towards dramatic, sweeping changes, it is essential to recognize the profound impact of taking small, manageable steps to simplify our lives. More often than not, by the time we realize the need for simplification, feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion have already set in. This is where tiny, incremental changes come into play, as they are often the only adjustments we have the energy to make.

Reflecting on my own journey, I oscillate between amusement and frustration when I recall the ambitious, large-scale transformations I attempted in my life. These efforts often turned my life upside down and left me feeling more exhausted than fulfilled. Fast fixes rarely proved effective, leading me to rethink the way I approached change altogether. I began to embrace a more patient and steady approach, focusing on small, simple changes that would not deplete my energy. As I took hundreds of tiny steps towards simplification, I was astonished by the significant differences they made.

12 Teeny Tiny Steps to Simplify Your Life

Consider these twelve easy steps designed to help you change not just what you do, but the way you think about change itself. Each step contributes to creating more time, space, and energy in your life, while also boosting your confidence in tackling further simplifications when necessary.

  1. Create a Donation Collection Spot in Your Home. Start by designating a small area in your homeperhaps an empty box or a cornerdedicated to items you no longer need. This simple step encourages you to consistently declutter, allowing you to let go of excess belongings bit by bit.
  2. Give Your Books Away (One at a Time). If your shelves are overflowing with unread books, consider sharing them. After finishing a book, pass it along to a friend with a personal note. This not only fosters a sense of community but also helps reduce the clutter in your space.
  3. Cancel Things. Take a close look at your calendar to identify commitments that are weighing you down. If you find that youve taken on too much, dont hesitate to cancel or reschedule engagements to carve out some time for yourself. A useful practice is to take a 24-hour pause before agreeing to any new commitments.
  4. Create a Not-To-Do List. Often, we focus solely on what we need to accomplish, neglecting the power of identifying what we will no longer do. Your not-to-do list can target habits, tasks, or even shifts in mindset, allowing you to become more intentional with your time.
  5. Give Yourself a Simple Pleasure Every Day. Find joy in the ordinary by recognizing simple pleasures that stimulate your senses. Whether its enjoying a cozy blanket, savoring a square of dark chocolate, or listening to your favorite music, these small joys can enhance your overall well-being.
  6. Sample Simplicity with a Capsule Wardrobe Experiment. Start by decluttering your closet and consider creating a capsule wardrobe. Participate in the Project 333 challenge, which encourages you to dress with just 33 items for three months. This experiment allows you to try a minimalist approach without fully committing to it right away.
  7. Hide a Box of Stuff You Never Use. As you go through your belongings, collect items you rarely use and place them in a box. Rather than immediately donating them, tuck the box away for 30 to 60 days. If you dont miss the items during that time, youll find it much easier to let them go.
  8. Try a Simplicity Reset. Set aside time either daily or weekly to reset your living space, starting with your most visible surfaces. Clear off your desk and countertops to enjoy a fresh environment. Gradually, youll find this resets become quicker and easier.
  9. Join the Tiny Step Simplicity Email Series. For ongoing support, consider signing up for the Tiny Step Simplicity email series. This program delivers bi-weekly tips straight to your inbox, offering bite-sized actions to help you simplify different aspects of your life.
  10. Turn Off Your Notifications. Limit distractions by turning off unnecessary notifications on your devices. Studies show that it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction, so reducing these interruptions can significantly enhance your productivity.
  11. Take a Tiny Walk After a Meal. Inspired by a New York Times article, I recommend incorporating short walks of 2 to 5 minutes after meals. Research indicates that even brief walks can significantly improve heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels.
  12. Be Gentle with Yourself. Begin your journey of simplification with self-compassion. Allow yourself to prioritize small, gentle changes over radical transformations. Remember, its okay to rest and take care of yourself as you navigate life's chaos. For further encouragement, consider reading my book, Gentle, Rest More, Stress Less and Live the Life You Actually Want.