Over the past 5 years we’ve done a pretty good job of accumulating stuff. Lately we’ve been talking about downsizing and focusing on the things that are essential instead of the things that offer perceived comfort.

It’s true when they say…

The things you own, own you

Because everything you own requires you to make constant decisions about its existence in your life. These tiny decisions burn through cycles and unwittingly start to create anxiety and frustration.

It’s something I’ve struggled with for years. I can’t tell you the reason I am able to justify keeping things that have zero value to me and will never use.

But, It’s a FOMO type effect in the sense that I’m going to need this one day and I’m gonna be pissed when that day comes and I don’t have 57 combs of various size, shapes and colors.

So the idea of getting rid of things and downsizing is a welcomed one indeed. To have less means I can give the important things in my life more attention. Because I’ll have the ability and availability to offer those things, more of me.

I’ve set up empty boxes throughout the house and garage. I put them in places that are out of the way but easily accessible.

The idea is that it if I make it easier to put things in these boxes marked for goodwill. It will be easier to put things in that box in general.

Once a box has been filled. I’ll tape it up, throw it in the back of the car and hand it over to the first goodwill truck I see.

I’m beginning to see the long game in all of this and how making changes to your life doesn’t require multiple weekends and a playbook.

Rather, all you really need is a general game plan and the ability to leverage your time more effectively.

I don’t need to make time to hunt through the house and gather donations. Gathering donations is just putting a thing in a box instead of a drawer now.

I don’t have to pack the car and find a drop off point anymore. I just throw the box in the back and give it to the first goodwill truck I see on my way to work.

I’m realizing that if things are going to work they need to just become part of the things we do. Not an addition.

Additions are easy to neglect and easy to stop doing. Whereas habits and things you just do aren’t as easily thrown away.

New things can work when they are made simple and are placed in line with how you operate day to day.

Be mindful of your time. Do it for the people that rely on you to be present and count on you to be involved.