How Letting Go of Extra Stuff Changed My Mindset

Life Simplification

Sometimes, the most radical change is also the simplest. I realized this when I glanced at my desk and saw three smartphones lined up, each one a source of distraction and obligation. That day, I sold two of them. The relief I felt wasn’t just about having less clutter—it was a mental reset.

Here’s the lesson: simplifying your life isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about reducing possessions, obligations, and daily decisions that quietly drain your energy and cloud your mind.

The Hidden Weight of “More”

We tend to postpone simplifying. There’s always another project, another commitment, another gadget. But every extra thing—whether it’s a phone, a stack of magazines, or a partnership—adds complexity. For example, I used to juggle multiple computers: one for work, one for personal use. While I couldn’t eliminate both, I set a rule for myself: the work laptop stays at the office, or, if I’m working from home, it goes into the closet when I’m done. Out of sight, out of mind. That simple boundary brings real mental clarity.

This principle applies everywhere. Why keep three frying pans that barely work when you could have one excellent pan? Why clutter your kitchen with pots and bowls you never use? Paring down may seem extreme, but fewer things bring a serenity you can only understand by experiencing it. Less to clean, less to maintain, and—most importantly—less to think about.

The Cost of Complexity

Every new commitment or possession is a new source of mental clutter. The more you complicate your life, the more you have to remember, maintain, and worry about. Even if you manage complexity well, there’s always a risk of forgetting something important. Notes and calendars help, but they only manage complexity—they don’t remove it.

Take cars, for example. Owning several may seem appealing, but each one brings hidden costs: maintenance, parking, insurance, the risk of theft. These invisible burdens add up. The more you own, the more you have to manage, and the less mental space you have for what truly matters.

Fewer Choices, More Energy

It’s not just about possessions. The number of decisions we make each day can be exhausting. Every choice—what to wear, what to eat, what to do next—uses up mental energy. Eliminating unnecessary choices frees up that energy for what matters.

Batch cooking is one strategy I rely on. Instead of deciding daily what to eat, I prepare meals for the week in advance. When it’s time to eat, I just reheat a meal—no deliberation, no wasted time, no mental friction. The same goes for clothing: fewer options mean less time spent deciding.

Living Simply to Achieve More

The goal of simplification is to make life easier and more focused. When you remove the unnecessary, you can move directly toward your goals. You’re no longer slowed down by clutter—physical or mental. You have more time, more energy, and more clarity for what truly matters.

This is the lifestyle I recommend. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about making space for what’s essential. When your environment is simple, your mind follows. You’ll find it easier to accomplish what you set out to do each day, and you’ll feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.

If you want to go further, I’ve developed workshops and resources to help you transform your daily life and inner world. But even if you never take another course, start here: look around, identify what’s unnecessary, and let it go. The freedom and clarity you gain will surprise you.