We all reach a point where the pace of life starts to feel like too much. The clutter, the constant buzzing of notifications, the pressure to always be “on”—it builds up, slowly but surely, until one day we pause and ask: Is this really how I want to live?
If you’ve felt that tug to slow down and clear some space—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too—this post is for you.
Life can feel overwhelming. Clutter builds up—in our homes, on our phones, in our thoughts—and before we know it, we’re rushing through our days without really living them.
That’s why I created this self-paced guide: to help you reset, gently and intentionally. No deadlines, no pressure. Just one step at a time toward a simpler life that feels lighter, more focused, and aligned with what truly matters to you.
You don’t have to do everything at once. You don’t even have to follow the exact order. This isn’t a strict routine—it’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for more meaning in your everyday life.
🌱 Start Where You Are
Instead of a rigid schedule, think of this journey as a series of small, mindful resets. Take one when you’re ready. Return to another when you need it. The goal is progress—not perfection.
Each focus area is designed to help you simplify a different part of your life: physical space, digital life, routines, finances, and mindset. You’ll also find simple journal prompts to go deeper when you feel called.
✨ The Simplicity Reset Steps
1. Define Your “Why”
Before you clear a single drawer or delete an app, pause and ask yourself: Why do I want to simplify?
Grab a journal or open a note on your phone. Write freely—no filters. What’s been overwhelming lately? What do you crave more of in your life—peace, time, clarity, presence?
Now, identify a few areas of your life that feel heavy:
- Physical clutter?
- A chaotic digital life?
- An overloaded schedule?
- Financial stress?
- Mental fog or anxiety?
Jot down your answers. Your “why” becomes your compass.
Pick 1 to 3 small goals for the week. Keep it realistic. Maybe it’s decluttering your phone, simplifying your morning routine, or unsubscribing from marketing emails.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness and direction.
2. Declutter a Small Physical Space
There’s something powerful about clearing your space. When you remove what you no longer need, you make room for what you do—mentally and emotionally. You don’t need to empty your entire house. Just pick one small area—your desk, a drawer, a shelf—and give it a refresh. Start small and go for a quick win. Nothing big or overwhelming—just one zone where you can immediately feel a difference.
- Let go of what no longer serves you.
- Use the 1-year rule: If you haven’t used it in a year and it doesn’t bring you joy or function, consider letting it go.
- Have a donate box ready. Letting go of what no longer serves you is a powerful first step in taking control of your environment—and your life.
One clear space can spark big internal shifts.
3. Simplify Your Digital World
Digital clutter is often invisible—but just as draining. Our phones are like clutter magnets. Notifications, endless apps, subscriptions, emails—it adds up fast. Today, give your digital space a refresh:
- Unsubscribe from emails you don’t read.
- Delete unused apps. Log out or silence apps that drain you.
- Rearrange your home screen for clarity.
- Try limiting social media or screen time for a day.
Notice how much calmer your mind feels with fewer pings, badges, and distractions. You’ll be surprised how freeing it feels to take a break from the noise. Even a few hours of unplugged time can reset your focus and reconnect you with the present moment.
4. Reset Your Daily Routine
Sometimes, it’s not what we’re doing—but how much we’re doing that overwhelms us.
- Identify habits that waste time or energy (scrolling, overchecking, multitasking).
- Replace one with a grounding ritual: a simple to-do list, mindful breathing, journaling, or a calming evening routine.
- Try a low-information day: unplug from news, feeds, and constant input.
Less input = more clarity. Simplicity in your routine isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about doing the right things with presence.
5. Reconnect with Financial Simplicity
Money can be one of the most stressful areas of life—and also one of the most powerful to simplify. Money stress adds up quickly—but small changes bring big peace.
- Review your spending. What didn’t bring value?
- Cancel unused subscriptions.
- Set up a tiny automatic transfer to savings—even ₹100 a week makes a difference.
- Ask: What am I spending on that isn’t aligned with my values?
Financial clarity brings peace of mind and gives you back a sense of control. Money simplified is freedom reclaimed.
6. Shift Your Mindset: “Less but Better”
This isn’t just about stuff—it’s about your inner world too. It’s a mindset. A philosophy.
- Reflect on what truly matters each morning.
- Read a line from a Stoic or minimalist book (try The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday).
- Let go of one expectation, obligation, or thought that’s been weighing you down.
Minimalism isn’t absence. It’s clarity. Let go of one thing today—maybe a negative thought, a task you feel obligated to do, or even a possession that no longer aligns with your values. This is the heart of simplicity: Less but better.
7. Reflect and Reset Again
After you’ve gone through a few of these areas, pause. Breathe. Reflect.
- What felt easiest? What was hardest?
- What one habit or change do you want to continue?
- How do you feel now compared to when you started?
You’ve already begun simplifying—whether you did one reset or all of them. Now choose one habit to carry into next week. Just one. Maybe it’s a 5-minute morning ritual, or keeping your phone off during meals, or continuing to declutter one area each week.
Remember: You’re not “behind.” You’re already on the path.
🧘♀️ Go at Your Own Pace
There’s no finish line here. Just more space for clarity, calm, and focus—on your terms. Some days will feel lighter, some days heavier. Keep returning to what helps you feel most aligned. This journey is yours. Own it, shape it, revisit it anytime.
This is just the start of living The Simplified Life—one that’s slower, quieter, and more meaningful. You don’t need to do it all at once. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up with intention and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. I’ll be sharing more posts, tools, and stories here every week—plus, I’m also working on launching my YouTube channel where I’ll bring these ideas to life through personal videos, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at this journey.
📝 Want a Printable Companion?
I’ve created a free printable “Simplify Your Life: Starter Template” to help you reflect, track your resets, and take notes as you go.
👉 Download it here (You can insert your real link or opt-in form)
📩 Stay Connected
If this gentle reset resonated with you, I’d love for you to stick around. Here’s how:
- Follow me on Instagram for bite-sized tips & inspiration: @pratikakkawar
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Simple living tips, minimalist routines, and Stoic-inspired reflections: @pratikakkawar
- Join my email list for:
- New blog posts
- Simplicity challenges
- Exclusive tools and templates
- First access to my content drops
→ Subscribe Here
💛 Final Thoughts
Simplicity isn’t about giving everything up—it’s about choosing what matters most and gently letting go of the rest.
Start small. Stay curious. And remember: even one clear corner, one mindful pause, or one quiet moment is enough to begin.
Let me know in the comments:
Which reset are you starting with first?
Here’s to starting fresh.
Pratik Akkawar
The Simplified Life
Discover more from Pratik Akkawar
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
