Adopt the mantra ‘Love people and use things, because the opposite never works.’ This shifts your focus from material possessions to human connections and utility, promoting a more meaningful life.
Continuously align your daily activities, career, and use of resources (money, time, attention, relationships, health) with the person you aspire to be and your core values. This ensures fulfillment and purpose beyond just earning a paycheck or chasing status.
Find a decluttering partner and on day one, each get rid of one item; on day two, two items, and so on, for an entire month. This builds momentum for decluttering and helps you realize that memories are internal, not tied to possessions, making it easier to start with less sentimental items.
Dedicate 20 minutes daily to sit and let your thoughts roll without judgment, allowing your brain to express itself. If thoughts become overwhelming, gently redirect attention to your breath (e.g., Tai Chi breath technique) to regain control and achieve a state of calm and quietness.
Begin with basic mindfulness meditation for 5 minutes a day, using guided apps like Headspace if helpful, and gradually increase the duration to 10-25 minutes. Focus on your breath and body sensations to clear internal clutter, reduce stress, and cultivate calmness.
Focus on paying down significant debt (e.g., hundreds of thousands of dollars) and reducing recurring expenses like car payments. This lessens constant anxiety and allows you to make career and life decisions based on personal values rather than financial necessity.
Pack up all your belongings as if you are moving, then only unpack items as you genuinely need them over the next three weeks. This experiment reveals which possessions truly add value to your life, allowing you to easily let go of the rest (e.g., 80% of items).
Challenge the common societal question ‘What do you do?’ by recognizing it often implies comparing socioeconomic status based on job title or income. Instead, focus on defining your own success based on fulfillment, purpose, and joy, rather than external achievements.
Occasionally and temporarily deprive yourself of certain possessions or comforts. This practice helps you assess whether these items genuinely add value to your life or if you are simply attached to them out of habit.
Regularly question the value of the things you hold onto, understanding that what is important or adds value to your life today may change over time. This fosters ongoing intentionality with your belongings as your life evolves.