When life gets too complex it becomes overwhelming.  There are many easy ways to simplify your life.  Try at least one of them.  You’ll be glad you did.

Keep things in perspective.  It’s easy to become distracted worrying about things that although annoying, have little or no impact on the big picture.  Before devoting time and energy to any issue, first determine if it really matters.  If it doesn’t, let it go.  For significant matters, take action instead of worrying.

Eliminate draining activities.  Any non-essential activity that causes stress, drains your energy, or interferes with other accomplishments should be eliminated.  Focus your energy on activities that move you closer toward your goals.

Just say no.  It’s OK to decline invitations for activities you don’t want to be involved with or do not have time for.  You can be polite and courteous when turning down a request, without having to use the word “no.”  Respond with something like, “Thank you so much for asking.  I’m glad you thought of me.  Unfortunately I won’t be able to participate due to a prior commitment.”

Get rid of things you don’t need.  The amount of stuff you have seems to expand to fill empty space.  Clutter gets in the way and takes up lots of space.  Purge those items you don’t need or use.  Avoid accumulating things in the first place; it’s a lot easier than getting rid of stuff later. 

Take care of yourself.  You never have to feel guilty about attending to your own needs.  Ensure that both your body and your mind are looked after.  Managing your life is much simpler when you feel your needs are being taken care of.

Take breaks.  Breaks are essential for keeping your mind and body healthy and happy.  There’s no set time requirement for an effective break.  What’s important is that you feel better after taking a break than before it.

Have fun.  Fun is an essential component to happiness.  Especially when you have to spend time with activities you don’t enjoy that much, it’s important to make sure you regularly plan, and allow time for having fun.

Be spontaneous.  Mix things up.  Act on a whim.  Seek out new and different experiences.  This keeps you from getting stuck in a rut.  It also makes life more interesting by expanding your horizons.  You will also have more opportunities to develop a fresh perspective.

Be vigilant with you time.  Your time is too precious to squander.  Procrastination is a huge time waster.  A simple to do list is a big asset.  Each day, write down the three most important things you need to do.  Next, number them in priority from one to three.  Then cover items two and three.  Spend your time on item one.  This approach will boost your productivity.

Appreciate what you have.  Be thankful for all of the good things in your life.  Becoming despondent over what you feel is lacking prevents you from attaining your goals.  Those people who are thankful for what they have always have more than they need.

Maintain a sense of wonder.  Children have a sense of wonder about their world.  Everything is amazing.  Get back in touch with this childhood emotion.  There are very few, if any, things that are not awe inspiring.  From our own bodies, to nature, to technology, to the universe, we are surrounded by wonder.

Take action to simplify your life.  All of the techniques listed above work when you use them.  Start with one or apply them all.  There are no negative side effects.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2010 Bryan Golden

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