I wrote previously that my focus for 2026 was to live a simple and minimalistic life. But what does that actually mean? If we want to be intentional and follow through with changes and behaviors that have a meaningful impact both short term and long term, it’s important to clearly define the scope of what we’re trying to accomplish. So let’s unpack this today.

Context

Before we dive into definitions, it might be helpful to spend some time digging into why this came top of mind in the first place.

Over the past few years, I’ve felt that life has moved at what I’d consider a fast pace. Living in a city where things are always moving, focusing on career progression, creating memories with lifelong friends, navigating relationships, and building a meaningful life. These are all things that typically come with growing up and living life in your 20s.

But when life moves so fast, we often forget about the importance of mindfulness.

We get caught up in the momentum of doing more, consuming more, and wanting more. We fill our calendars, our phones, our homes, our minds. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting more, the cost is often a quiet disconnection from ourselves and what we actually care about.

I realized I was spending less time thinking and more time reacting. Less time feeling present and more time feeling rushed. More things led to more distractions and too much noise. So the question became: How do I slow down without opting out?

My Definition

To live a simple and minimalistic life is to:

  • own fewer things
  • commit to fewer obligations
  • focus on what genuinely matters to me

It is less about having “nothing” and more about removing what doesn’t serve me, so I have more time, energy, and attention for what does.

At the core of it, living a simple and minimalistic life means choosing what matters and letting go of the rest.

It’s not about owning nothing or living like a monk, but rather removing the clutter so the important parts of life get more space.

This leads to more clarity, more energy, and more peace. Less noise means better decisions. Fewer obligations mean more room for work, health, and relationships. When we’re not pulled in ten directions, life feels lighter.

What Does It Look Like in Practice?

Let’s break this down into a few different areas where we can apply this mindset:

Physical & Digital Life

  • my home has what I use and love, and not ‘just in case’ clutter
  • my space is organized and clear
  • I can find what I need quickly without digging around
  • purchases are intentional, not impulsive
  • fewer apps, subscriptions, and notifications

Career

  • start each day by asking what’s the most impactful thing I can do today?

Friendships

  • instead of creating too many new shallow bonds, deepen those already in my life that matter

Family

  • focus on being fully present when I am with my family

Self

  • instead of trying to do everything, pick a few interests and go deep with them
  • say “no” to things that don’t match my values or current season
  • protect time for non-negotiables

Health

  • keep it simple and focus on the foundations: diet, training, and sleep

Partner

  • less pressure to always be doing “big” things and more emphasis on daily connection

Wealth

  • automate as much as possible

Outcome

By committing to living this way, I’m hoping for a few clear outcomes:

  • more mental clarity and less decision fatigue
  • better focus on what actually moves the needle in my life
  • a sense of calm that comes from not being overstretched
  • deeper satisfaction from doing fewer things well rather than many things poorly

As I navigate my 30s, I’m hoping that this approach and mindset helps bring a sense of peace in a world that constantly asks for more. This is me choosing less. Less clutter, less rushing, less noise. And in return, a life that feels calmer, clearer, and more aligned with who I actually want to be.